The UK digital divide, whereby sections of society have limited use of digital technology, results in unequal access to information, knowledge, goods and services. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the push to a digital world, and this has challenged people who suffer digital exclusion, including older people, who are more likely to lack digital skills and understanding. Public libraries play a key role in tackling digital exclusion, providing digital skills training and support, and access to equipment and Wi-Fi thereby enhancing the social inclusion of marginalised groups. During the Covid-19 pandemic innovative solutions were piloted to help tackle digital exclusion and social isolation despite closure of face-to-face library interventions, particularly during lockdowns. This article explores evaluation of the Housing Plus Pilot, providing remote digital skills training and support to older people living in sheltered housing in Newcastle upon Tyne during 2021, delivered through partnership between Your Homes Newcastle, and Newcastle City Libraries.
Impact / Outcome All participants felt more confident because of the training and had changed their behaviour as a result. The possession of a tablet and having access to a free Wi-Fi connection meant they were able to actively try out the skills they had learnt following training reinforcing what they had learnt. The focussed training through telephone and small group instruction, allowed them to feel supported and able to ask the questions they needed to gain the skills and confidence required. It also enabled them to have more targeted support which provided an individualised learning experience.
The digital literacy training evaluated adhered to what experts suggests is a successful model, comprising four important aspects: training material that was genuinely useful to learn, a collaborative and supportive environment that resulted in proactive learning, the fostering of social inclusion and provision of opportunities for autonomous learning.
Key Metrics Tackling digital fears and enabling older people to reinforce learning through the provision of mobile devices
