Digital Bridge or Digital Divide? A Case Study Review of the Implementation of the ‘Computers for Pupils Programme’ in a Birmingham Secondary School

Abstract

Attempts to bridge the Digital Divide have seen vast investment in Information Communication Technology in schools. In the United Kingdom, the Computers for Pupils initiative has invested £60 million of funds to help some of the most disadvantaged secondary school pupils by putting a computer in their home. This paper charts and evaluates the implementation of the Computers for Pupils programme and its extension, the Universal Home Access programme, in a Birmingham secondary school. This case study employs a complementary mixed-method approachthe questionnaire method with a year 9 cohort of pupils and interviews with their ICT teachers. Findings from this research, which are divided into four themeslaptop use and support, provi-sion of connectivity, decisions on software and hardware, and technical support and repairfound several issues with the implementation of the programme. As a consequence, several rec-ommendations for improvement are offered, all aimed at the more effective implementation of the national Home Access programme, which has recently begun its implementation across England.