Vocal Voices

I have just read a report saying that some pupils will be able to borrow laptops or tablets in order to help them with lessons, especially those who are disadvantaged or about to take exams.

That's good, isn't it? They are not getting the equipment to keep, it is only borrowed. It will be available to loan out again once the lockdown is over and we get back to normal. So, it will always be there for the disadvantaged meaning that they are on a similar footing, computer wise, to those better off and can continue to learn at home and hand in 'paperless' work, which is the modern way. Good.

But......

School purchases are through a preferred supplier and they are always vastly more expensive than the open market for the same kit - so that will have to go. Then there's the question of what is going on at home. In order to access lessons the home will need broadband, so will that also be funded? And if the home already has broadband does that not imply that there will already be computing equipment in place, and if so why is it not already used for school work?

It all starts to look a bit knee-jerk and wishy-washy in order to get Brownie points for being able to claim to be doing something. it is also a bit late in the day. By the time any of it gets implemented the kids will be gearing up for the summer holidays.

Agree WM, they are constantly looking for the golden "we are doing something" bullet.

A relative by marriage said today that there is a provisional date of June 1st for some local schools to re-open.

Yes, I have heard that being said as well.

In a similar vein the government yesterday opened a website offering continuing skills training for those on furlough, though the courses are open to anyone. The courses are mainly for digital skills, but there are also others for literacy, numeracy, marketing, CV writing and so on.

They are not at a very high level, not even GCSE, but as refreshers they are no bad thing. Learning new things or learning new ways of doing old things should be a lifetime process for all of us imo.