21st Century Communities

• Clicks and Links
• Gaia Technologies PLC

Digital Inclusion

'Digital Inclusion' is about helping people to get access to online information and services to improve their lives.

Are We All Aware of Digital Inclusion?

Information and communication technologies (ICT's) are increasingly enabling the way people live, work and learn. Although the take up figures for broadband internet access in the UK look impressive, they disguise the fact that the gap between those who use ICT's and those who don't is becoming greater. People familiar with the technology use it like another utility, whereas those that don't are increasingly left behind. As a result many people in our society are missing out on the benefits of ICT.

Our Approach

At Clicks and Links our expertise is in providing a creative people centred approach to digital inclusion. Many of our projects are diverse in nature drawing on quantitative and qualitative methods - we like to listen to people as well as talk to them.

Our 7C's methodology provides the framework

• Computers
  Where and how people can have access to computers, the internet and local networks?
• Connectivity
  What will be the connections to the internet and local networks?
• Content
  What local content will be made available and how is it maintained?
• Competance
  How will local people gain new ICT skills?
• Contribution
  How will ICT initiatives be funded?
• Continuity
  How will ICT initiatives by sustained?
• Champions
  Who will lead / run initiative on a day-to-day basis?

© 2006 21st Century Communities