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Your Chance to Have Your Say
A new research project is being conducted throughout the Western Isles on the subject of the potential uses of computer networks for community and business development. The project aims to explore the possible applications of the new broadband telecommunications technology coming soon to the Western Isles. The important point about this new technology is that it is not just for "computer enthusiasts". It will allow fast, easy access to a very diverse range of new resources for individual members of the community, from primary school children to senior citizens.
Broadband in other rural areas has been used by senior citizens groups, schools, local history societies, small businesses, guesthouses, community councils, and by providers of tourist attractions. A big use in other areas of the world has been by local organisations that have made use of e-mail discussions to maintain ongoing activities in between their weekly or monthly meetings. There has also been a growth in local community web sites, acting as a single gateway to link all the information relating to the community on one site in order to give easy and comprehensive access to local resources, a sort of very local community directory. Key areas for future use are the health and education sectors where the new technology will allow high speed, confidential work peer-to-peer at a distance. It is crucial that we can gather as much information from you and your staff on these important issues.
All staff and other related individuals (school pupils, ancillary staff etc.) are encouraged to complete the questionnaire on the web at www.lews.uhi.ac.uk/forms/research.html.
This project is part of a year-long research and development programme that is being undertaken by researchers at the Lews Castle College, UHI Millennium Institute and the Open University, and is being supported by the LEADER Programme, Western Isles Enterprise, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and the UHI Millennium Institute. The aim of the project is to investigate the types of uses that people in the Western Isles might use broadband for, to establish training needs, and to discover learning and business opportunities for all age groups.
The Lews Castle College Local Learning Centres can help to provide access to the internet if you do not normally have easy access. More information on the project is at www.lews.uhi.ac.uk/news and events/broadband.htm or contact Frank Rennie 01851-770451 or frank.rennie@lews.uhi.ac.uk for further information.
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