Lifelong Learning and Digital Exclusion: Lessons from the Evaluation of an ICT Learning Centre and an Emerging Research Agenda

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are playing an increasingly important role within society. There are concerns, however, about unequal access to ICTs and the dangers of digital exclusion. The UK government has prioritized the development of ICT skills and access to learning through ICTs, the key policy instrument being a network of ICT learning centres in deprived communities. This article reviews the evaluation of a local ICT learning centre, focusing on the impact of the centre in relation to reducing digital exclusion and impact on skills development. The evaluation highlights a number of policy tensions and areas for further investigation.

Keywords:

• Information
• And
• Communication
• Technologies
• Icts
• Learning
• Centres
• Social
• Exclusion