Free laptops and broadband for poor families!

[BettyBooHoo!]

Where was my free computer/laptop/broadband when I was growing up??? I didn't even touch a computer before starting my first job.

 

Point being, a computer/laptop/broadband is not a necessity, it's a luxury. For people like me who never had one as a youngster, if i wanted access to draw up a CV, write a job application etc, I got off my can and went to my local library to use one.

 

I have a laptop now because I worked hard to pay for it myself.

 

Where is the incentive for people to go out to work an earn a decent living these days? It's no wonder there's so many work shy out there.

[truman]

Great post, Mathom. Someone who sees the big picture. There is clearly risk of a large gap growing between those who have access at home and those who do not. The internet is the very tool we need to make learning truly universal and mobile, but its full potential can only be realised if ALL have access.

 

Let's all have free access then.....

[willman]

Most responsible employers do limit internet access to work-related sites. Know any office where you have unlimited access to facebook, youtube, etc? I don't.

 

Perhaps you could also tell me which libaries ban children aged 7 to 11? My loca library offers free after-school internet sessions to children between these ages at least 2 nights a week.

 

Never mentioned the library - i said COLLEGE as used for learning.

Based on the people who frequent this site and other forums i use - quite a few have liberal internet usage. It's surprising how many use ebay,book holidays, get insurance quotations etc whilst allegedly working.

Facebook and you tube are for children aren't they so why should employers allow access to them.

[GordonBennet]

Never mentioned the library - i said COLLEGE as used for learning.

Based on the people who frequent this site and other forums i use - quite a few have liberal internet usage. It's surprising how many use ebay,book holidays, get insurance quotations etc whilst allegedly working.

Facebook and you tube are for children aren't they so why should employers allow access to them.

 

Now I know you're trolling!

 

I'm glad you accept that everyone already has free access to the internet though; does it really matter whether the building is called a LIBRARY or a COLLEGE?

[truman]

What has that got to do with anything?

 

Question of priorities I suppose...which is more important, laptop and internet or mobile phone...if a lappy is that important then pay for that and no mobile..

[anarchist]

Just when you think the labour government can't sink any lower, it's now deciding it's going to give away free laptops and broadband connections to families who can't be bothered to work for a living.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8449485.stm

 

So once again we working people who work hard to pay for our own laptops and broadband end up subsidising those families who can't be bothered to work.

 

Who decided that having a laptop and internet connection was an essential anyway? Most of these families will only use it for playing games and looking at porn and the kids won't get a look in!

 

Another £300 million of taxpayers money wasted!

 

It saves them smashing your bedroom window when they break in to knick yours.

[convert]

Great post, Mathom. Someone who sees the big picture. There is clearly risk of a large gap growing between those who have access at home and those who do not. The internet is the very tool we need to make learning truly universal and mobile, but its full potential can only be realised if ALL have access.

 

There is a bigger risk of a large gap opening between children of parents who give a damn and those of parents who don't.

 

My parents had to make sacrifices when I was growing up, it seems that many parents of today don't have to, as good old Winky will give them all they need.

 

Whilst I agree that all should have an equal opportunity for education, I don't think that this, cheap, vote buying stunt will actually have any effect on the literacy or numeracy, let alone the IT literacy of the target population.

 

The internet can be a force for good, it can also lead to a general dumbing down in educaional standards. Look at the state of both spelling and grammar on this site for instance.

[willman]

Now I know you're trolling!

 

I'm glad you accept that everyone already has free access to the internet though; does it really matter whether the building is called a LIBRARY or a COLLEGE?

 

It does actually - epiphany mentioned laptops for the children to become it literate, truman said go to college. Children can't go to college and therefore won't get the experince. Libraries are fine IF you have one and it has computers for limited internet access.

Facebook and YOutube etc are not useful to anyone are they - i'm not trolling i just think they appeal to a certain section of society that doesn't include me.

[luybell]

They get lessons at school.....

 

I am not quite sure what you mean? Of course all children get lessons at school but the educational benefits alone from the t'inter are immense. All 3 of my kids have researched stuff on there. Yes when we did it we dould have gone to the local library but things move on. They learned loads of stuff in a matter of minutes & obtained pictures & references which would have taken hours at the library. We do live in a world where many things are now done on the internet.

 

I agree with all mathom said. I hate it when i haven't got the internet. I also use it to save money which is particularly relevant when you are trying to live on such a tight budget.

 

Last week parents at school were asked to look on the school website to check if it was open etc?

[convert]

What has that got to do with anything?

 

Join the dots dear.