beryllium Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 270,000 children will get £300,000,000 of laptops/broadband. That means that over £1,100 will be spent per laptop + 1 year's broadband. How much money is being wasted on administration? I'd expect to get a discount on such bulk-buy and the average laptop doesn't cost £1000 nowadays. If the govenment really wanted to help poor children become computer literate surely they'd just post out a £500 voucher for PC world to over 500,000 families? That would be open to misuse? A bit like the current scheme? Why not upgrade school facilities and make them accessible in the evenings and provide specialist help thus reducing misuse of computers and actually teaching the kids something? I've nothing against education, improving the prospects of the least well off but I hate the government squandering money (which we don't have) left,right and centre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anarchist Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 An interesting Government "headline" at a time when they have just cut £900 million from university funding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I think its a great Idea. This election is turning into one where we either give millions to the poor or millions to the rich. I being slightly on the poor side will have to give the Conservatives another miss this year Has nobody told you that we don't operate a two party system in the UK? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandad.Malky Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Has nobody told you that we don't operate a two party system in the UK? As they say we have a choice between Coke or Pepsi but can you tell the difference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anarchist Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 They could get suitable laptops for something around £300 (or less with the blk they have to order) - totally agree there Why laptops? In 2 years they will need new batteries if they haven't been stolen, dropped, broken or sold. There is not much that can't be done on a 3/4 year old PC except play the latest HD games. They are available reconditioned ex hospitals etc for around £100 each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fox20thc Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 When I had my first child and was not working I attended a training course organised by SPELL (Sheffield partnership for education and life long learning) which taught basic I.T skills, word processing ect. Having NEVER used a computer before and they were well out of reach price wise. Upon completion of the course we were given a refurbished ancient desktop computer to continue to practice and learn, which I did. It wasn't spectacular but we got connected to the net (dial up!) and I practised and taught myself all manner of things on the computer. As a result after the birth of my second child I was able to do a total 360' career wise, went to work in the financial services sector, progressed in that job. I now have a job I love which without IT skills would be impossible to do, and can now do all sorts from webpages, DTP, photo and video editing. So, in conclusion, IF the scheme also included some mandatory training in how to use the PC to good effect both in supporting children and access to work I think it's a good idea, if they are just giving a laptop away with no commitment from the family - not so good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asgard Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Why laptops? It isn't just laptops... The value of the Home Access Grant to certain low income families will cover the cost of an package (£600) which includes a computer or laptop; basic software; internet access for one year; and three-years technical support. Any parents wanting a higher-specification can 'top-up' the grant to cover the cost. http://industry.becta.org.uk/print.cfm?resID=39686 For those who want their blood pressure to rise even more, details how to apply here... http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/ Anyone know if the flood victims in Cumbria have received their one million yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
convert Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 So from the link http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/Computer-and-internet-packages/ It would seem that laptops / equipment will be replaced if broken / stolen. Ebay is going to be busy then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truman Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 What's going to happen to those who qualify for this but are in an area where the internet is not available? How will these kids be included? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Aren't we forgetting something? Children shouldn't be spending their spare time staring at computer screens, they should be outside having fun and playing with their friends! At a time when childhood obesity is at an all-time high, why is this corrupt government encouraging kids to sit on their backsides alone in their rooms every night? Let kids be kids, let them enjoy their free time playing and having fun. There's plenty of time to learn IT skills when they're older. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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