"The report reveals a clear gap in the aspirations of the UK’s richest and poorest young people. Young people growing up in poverty are significantly less likely to believe their life and career goals are achievable."
- More than a quarter (29 per cent) had “few” or “no” books in their home
- One in three (34 per cent) were “rarely” or “never” read to by their parents
- More than a quarter (28 per cent) had no access to a computer
- Almost one in three (30 per cent) did not have access to the internet
It makes for uncomfortable reading & highlights some of the disparities that exist in today's modern Britain. It appears obvious that without the basic tools and encouragement to learn, young people are missing out on critical life skills. As more economies are turning to highly educated, knowledge workers for creating wealth it is difficult for those disadvantaged to catchup.
The Prince's trust state: We are now calling on the Government and businesses to work even more closely with charities to improve social mobility and raise aspirations.
I believe all of us in the learning profession could look at ways where existing activities in #sociallearning #mobilelearning could help address these issues raised. By creating easier & cheaper ways to learn through technology it might just give a chance to some of those who have been missed.
Hi Alex - I agree with your aspirations, but I'm not sure that the solution is technological. Very little is cheaper than a book or easier to use. It may be that the problems here are, sadly, more profound. That doesn't mean of course that we shouldn't do what we can to fix them.
ReplyDeleteDon
Don, I'm not suggesting that technology is the "magic cure all" here.
ReplyDeleteFar from it, Theodore Dalrymple somewhat controversial views explain the complexity & challenges these issues face.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_at_the_Bottom:_The_Worldview_That_Makes_the_Underclass
I believe that as technology becomes more affordable & more engaging ways of learning i.e. videos/games/apps become mainstream. This this could be one piece of the jigsaw which our learning community could contribute to.
People like the prince's trust/childline can then direct those efforts to re-engage with the young people who have missed out.