1 April 2004

Internet revolution for all

Photo opportunity: 2.30pm, 1 April 2004, Main Reception, Gardyne Road Campus, University of Dundee

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) may be the buzz words for some people whose work involves computers but the internet revolution is not as widespread as it seems with more computers in America than in the rest of the world and 40% of people in developing countries having never made a phone call.

The University of Dundee is about to challenge these statistics and attempt to use communications technology to promote social inclusion. Ian Ball, Head of Department of Community Education of the University of Dundee will head up the Information and Communications Technology and Communities Conference today, Thursday April 1 at the University. Its aim is to examine community technology projects and uncover ways of using technology to promote social inclusion and democracy, both locally and world-wide.

Speakers will highlight that the Internet revolution has not been as widespread as we might have thought and that a digital divide has emerged. Ian Ball explains: "In the UK, ICT has been used to encourage social inclusion, for instance the government's e-voting initiative but nearly half the population of the world don't even have access to a telephone, let alone surfed the web so these projects are a pipe-dream for many communities."

Speakers will explain that as well as providing hardware such as computers and telephone lines to those areas in need, it is just as important that literacy and language, and community and institutional structures are embedded for any sustainable community technology strategy.

For further information please contact Ian Ball or Christine Allan on 01382 464452

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk