9 August 2005
Gloucester College of Arts and Technology (GLOSCAT) is launching an innovative scheme to bring computer and Internet access to some of the remotest parts of Gloucestershire.
Since 2002, GLOSCAT has been mulling over how best to improve ICT and Internet skills across the country, as part of the government's plans to bridge the digital divide.
It seems that it has now found the solution in the Commun-IT van, which will travel around the county providing the public with access to computers and vital e-learning programmes.
Head of school, community and adult learning at Gloucester College, Pat Gibbs, said: "The Commun-IT van has helped us to remove many barriers to learning and take e-learning facilities to where they are most needed.
"By offering IT and training in a familiar environment, many people who would not want to return to college or had no means of making the journey are able to further their skills and make the most of the resources the Internet has to offer."
The van provides services for a number of different sections of the community, from people looking to sharpen their e-business skills to young mothers looking to get back into work.
Pat Gibbs added: "We have also noticed that the van has acted as a kind of catalyst for improvement in many local communities.
"The village halls and community centres where we hold our sessions have once again become hubs of activity – facilities have been improved and there is a greater sense of community spirit."© Adfero Ltd
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