Tenant Digital Literacy | Human Centred Design
Provide support to tenants who wish to improve their digital skills through digital inclusion initiatives and community groups.
What does good look like? Our guide to creating digital standards and improving your skills, capacity and capabilities.
Purpose
- Recognise that digital inclusion is a key priority, given that digital skills are increasingly required for everyday life. Learn My Way, Good Things Foundation, and FutureDotNow are UK leaders in developing collaborative practices to “close the digital divide”. Social housing providers have access to those most at risk. Every £1 invested yields £10 in social value.
Core Services
- Ensure core services are simple an easy to use for digital learners. Consult with residents when designing services. Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.
- Incorporate digital skills alongside other services, for example, job readiness programmes or financial inclusion services. Provide online resources such as video tutorials, webinars, and guides can allow individuals to continue learning at their own pace.
Devices and Internet
- Support the cost of devices and internet access which can be a significant barrier to digital inclusion. Provide affordable options for paying subscriptions. Restore and donate equipment and devices.
Digital literacy training
- Establish links and partnerships with local services, non-profits and socially responsible corporates, Non-profit organisations often offer digital literacy programmes, and some corporations have programmes to donate technology to communities in need. Libraries and community support groups that offer free internet access and digital literacy courses.
- Providing training and support within community. This could involve free computer classes or one-on-one support sessions. Appoint ‘digital champion’ [community volunteers, staff members, or peers] helps tenants develop digital skills.
- Provide fully equipped mobile digital hubs or pop-up digital classrooms to provide access and training to communities who might otherwise have limited opportunities.
- Regular interactions with local community groups to understand their digital needs and to collaborate on digital initiatives. Involvement in local digital inclusion events, such as digital skills workshops or training sessions.
The Marzipan Way is a framework for managing digital transformation in social housing. One page, one section or the whole set of standards, there is something to learn for everyone.
If you would like to learn more, please contact steve@goldenmarzipan.co.uk for a free, no obligation conversation.
