Can you spare an unneeded laptop? The Digital Class can use it to support children's learning
The Digital Class campaign launched to provide Spelthorne children with vital technology access
Rebecca Dix is on a mission.
The ex-teacher and Spelthorne resident wants to support those children who have no laptop or tablet to support their online learning.
"Well over 1 million UK school children have no access to a laptop or tablet at home" explains Rebecca. "As school staff continue to go above and beyond to provide learning and support during the pandemic, children's access to technology at home remains a barrier to these incredible efforts."
Rebecca felt moved to develop an idea to help support home learning in her community, Spelthorne. With a background in education, she was aware of the many challenges today's parents face and the positive, sometimes life-changing impact a consistent education can have for children.
And so was born The Digital Class, an initiative to match donated devices from the community with children living in the borough. Donated laptops and tablets will be collected and made safe to use, ready to distribute to local schools and allocated families in need.
Since March 2020, schools have adopted a hybrid learning model of face-to-face teaching alongside remote learning. With access to a digital device and the internet, children will be able to continue their education from the safety of their own homes.
"I started contacting local schools and it became clear how some children without a laptop are still unable to participate in any online learning." continues Rebecca. "My aim for this initiative is to ensure all children can reconnect virtually to lessons with teachers and peers. Enabling fair access to digital technologies will support the provision of quality education and create opportunities for all children to fulfil their potential."
"It distresses me that so many children have been unable to connect with their schools and teachers whilst national restrictions have been in place. This has resulted in an ever-increasing digital divide between children who can log on to the internet and those who cannot. The Digital Class aims to close the digital divide in our community and help to ensure all children can access their right to an education."
Here's how you can help
Rebecca is looking for donations of working laptops or tablets with chargers. Collections will be arranged and carried out safely, following guidance and wearing masks and then the devices matched to a local school who will allocate the device to a family in need.
Worried about the data on your device?
If you can, clear all personal data from the device prior to collection. However, devices will be wiped clean either by the school if their IT department has the capacity or outsourced to a verified company
Ready to donate?
If you can help by donating a device please contact rebeccalouisedix@gmail.com
Or if you could spread the message via social media, our Twitter is @thedgtlclass
