Exciting times ahead

Earlier this week I visited the Get Digital scheme at Longhoughton. The learners have all had their initial lessons and we were meeting to talk about how they will continue to use the computers once I'm no longer helping them.

Since we started we've got complete beginners who are now confident when sending and receiving e-mails. A learner who had some previous experience has increased her skills and is offering to help other residents find the best deals for their gas and electricity suppliers.

The headteacher of the local school came along to the meeting to talk about how some of the children can get involved in helping. Like all young people the children are very enthusiastic computer users and will be keen to show off their skills to the learners. We also hope that the older people can teach them a thing or two - the children will be involved in a World War II project soon and some of the older residents may have first hand experiences that they can pass on.

All the learners are very excited at the thought of working with the young people and hopefully they'll be looking forward to it to - it'll be a change from Maths lessons!

The whole of the north east of England has been buried under a few inches of snow this week. When I visited Longhoughton the main roads in to the village were clear but the road to the scheme was probably six inches deep. Only a couple of the residents have ventured out. So far all the learners have been cautious about the idea of shopping online but if this weather continues they might get a bit more enthusiastic...