The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in partnership with UK Online has launched Online basics – short bite-sized courses to help people who currently lack digital skills to build up the ICT skills they need to get online.

Online basics will train people in how to use a keyboard and mouse, how to use email and access the internet, and how to stay safe online. The courses are designed so they can be done at home, with the help of a friend or family member, in a UK Online Centre, or in any formal or informal learning environment.

The regional programmes from NIACE will support the roll-out of Online basics. Organisations interested in running these courses are invited to find out more about the resources available to ensure that new users of the internet have access to the best possible learning experience.

Stephen Timms, Minister for Digital Britain has  launched the National Plan for Digital Participation in which the Government sets a target of a 60% reduction in the 12.5 million people who are not online in the UK.

Minister for Digital Britain, Stephen Timms, said:

“Being online is crucial for participation in the 21st Century society – the Internet unlocks a wealth of information and services, giving people more choice in life and access to a range of education, health and financial opportunities.

“That is why we have set an ambitious target to get 60% of those 12.5 million people who aren’t online, online in four years. Our National Plan is an exciting project which will provide the leadership and framework for existing and emerging digital participation projects to drive a more inclusive Digital Britain.

“Bringing people online for the first time and enabling people to interact more creatively will enrich our society and we will ensure no one is left behind.”

The National Plan (pdf)

The Digital Participation Consortium website is now live to coincide with the Government’s launch of the National Plan for Digital Participation.  Go to www.digitalparticipation.com for more information on the work of the Consortium.