ICT Project

Initially led by the Trust, this programme was ceded to the WEA in December 2001 with 3-years funding in place. By the end of April 2003 the project had established ICT Learning Centres in 5 community locations across the area (ACNA, Chase, Greenway, Peoples Centre and Sycamore Millennium Centre). Each centre has a minimum of 11 computers connected to a broadband Internet connection, all available for community use and regular scheduled courses for local residents.

7 access points have also been established, running laptop based courses to support at least one fixed computer for community use. These access points (AZADI, BANCA, Bluebell, Hermitage, Pakistan Centre, and TRACS) help to ensure the availability of ICT facilities across the area.

The spring term (January - March) saw 36 courses delivered, ranging from traditional computer training in word processing and desk top publishing to non-accredited learning such as driving test theory, women's health and digital photography. In all 276 learners benefited from this provision last year. Additionally a large number of residents made use of community drop-in facilities and the flexible learning provision available at Chase.

All funding sources are in place and in January further funding from the national Learning and Skills Council (LSC) was secured to extend wireless laptop provision in the area. This has meant that we have arranged, in partnership with Nottingham City Councils CityNet project, to establish more access points in four residential homes (Bell View Court, Kingston Court, Mowbray Court and Tun Tum Housing Association). This provides additional outreach provision for a variety of groups, including a local women's project.

Now that the learning centres are established and course programmes are running and working towards maximum capacity, emphasis is being devoted in ensuring equipment is working to the required standard, laptop courses in access points and outreach provision is developed, the centres are officially opened and the ICT learning opportunities are publicised . Ultimately ensuring that residents are aware of how they can make use of the facilities and become involved in the projects development.