News: Internet access for low income families

News from Mathsblog.co.uk
Internet access for low income families
The Government is beginning to put into practice its scheme to ensure that all school age children have computer access at home. They are piloting the scheme in Suffolk and Oldham in February by providing grants to pay for one computer, software, internet access and 3 years’ technical support. It will be aimed at those families on income support.
Jim Knight, Schools Minister says that having home access to the internet is fast becoming essential. He goes on to say,
“Schools are revolutionising how they educate faster than many families realise.  There is no substitute for good classroom teaching but day-to-day school work is increasingly web and computer based – and it is clear that students get better results where technology is used effectively at home to study, research and communicate.”
By the autumn of 2009 it is hoped to have the scheme operating nationwide.