A new £5 million fund has been created to help colleges and universities in Scotland tackle digital exclusion among disadvantaged students.
The funding, announced by the Scottish Funding Council today, will allow institutions to fund digital devices so students can learn remotely as both sectors prepare for the new term after lockdown.
Following months of colleges being closed for face-to-face teaching, most students will likely to experience a blended learning model when they return over the coming weeks. Since lockdown began, many colleges have tried to support students in need with digital devices or other technology to ensure they can study remotely.
Richard Lochhead, minister for further education, higher education and science said the government was committed to doing everything it could to help learners weather the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
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'A huge challenge'
“I know this has been a huge challenge for many – but I hope this £5 million digital fund will go some way to easing the pressures, by helping thousands of learners to access the necessary computer resources they need to continue with their studies.”
Karen Watt, chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said that the investment would help students facing hardship with the costs of taking part in online learning: “This digital fund will support disadvantaged learners across Scotland to study online, with computers they might otherwise have been unable to buy themselves – vital help when money is tight and access to digital learning is more important than ever.”
Matt Crilly, president of NUS Scotland, said: “Today’s announcement is very welcome. As students and apprentices return to a blended model of learning, it is more important than ever that they have access to the laptops, internet, and equipment that they will need to succeed in their studies.
“Investment in digital support is positive news for students across Scotland, particularly as we see a rise in the number of working-class students gaining a place in further and higher education this year, for whom the cost of learning is often the greatest.”
Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said: “This additional funding is very welcome news. It is essential that no one is left behind because of digital poverty and that all students have access to the necessary equipment and technology to be able to undertake coursework and complete their studies.
“We now live in a digitally oriented society where digital skills and technology are integral, and a key part of learning and training. The global pandemic has accelerated the use of online and digital learning across the sector and it is more important now than ever that students are able to fully participate in that as colleges take forward a blended learning approach going forward into the new academic year.
“Colleges have a long-established and very successful track record of social inclusion and widening access to education, and this additional funding will help to ensure that they continue to deliver. The college sector has an essential role to play in driving Scotland’s social and economic recovery post-Covid-19 by reskilling, retraining and providing people with invaluable employability skills, and additional financial investment – such as this digital capital – will help maximise colleges’ positive impact.”
Tim Frew, chief executive of youth work agency YouthLink Scotland: "All steps to mitigate the impact of coronavirus are very welcome. This fund will address the digital barriers faced by many young learners in the community and promote digital inclusion. We are delighted to be working with CLD partners, Lead Scotland and WEA in getting this resource to where the need is greatest.”
