As we move closer to the goal of a 1:1 computer:learner ratio, the issue of the funding of ICT equipment in schools becomes ever more complex. An element of parental funding is often necessary for the purchase of a child’s computer. This raises important and sensitive issues.

The digital divide exists already and the trend is towards a widening of this gulf. One mechanism of halting this trend may come from the charity, the eLearning Foundation:

Born from the AAL project, the eLearning foundation is seeking equality of opportunity for all learners, regardless of socio-economic factors. It raises funds using a variety of tax efficient methods to help reduce the expense of ICT equipment for learning. Such mechanisms involve charitable donations via Gift Aid from parents and the wider community, including local businesses.

More information can be found at http://www.e-learningfoundation.com

A significant proportion of the thousands of computers that OLC has supplied to schools since the outset of Anytime Anywhere Learning have been supplied directly to the families of the learners through a variety of methods. We should be happy to discuss the advantages and challenges of this approach with you.