Mr. im CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken to increase computer literacy at(a) adult and (b) adolescent levels. [61902]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe Department for Education and Skills aims to create, implement and support a dynamic framework for information and communications technology (ICT) skills. It has initiated a range of measures to increase computer literacy and widen access to the skills required for a modern knowledge economy.
(a) For Adults: By the end of 2002 there will be over 6,000 UK online centres throughout England with access points in public libraries, colleges, local community centres and elsewhere. Older people are one of the key client groups for this initiative. In addition there are over 1,600 learndirect centres, which along with Further Education colleges and adult and community learning centres, offer many opportunities for adults to improve their ICT skills.
(b) For adolescents: The national curriculum for ICT prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world, in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. Reforms to the national curriculum in England have ensured that all pupils aged five to 16 are taught ICT, either as a separate subject or through other subjects. We have also set challenging national targets for pupils' achievements in ICT at the end of Key Stage 3.