The aim of the project was the creation of a Community Digital Hub in Stockwell, managed by Morley College Community Learning (CL), to encourage and enable the local Lambeth/Stockwell community to access formal and informal digital education, training and support. The resource was particularly aimed at those who experience digital poverty; a survey of Lambeth schools found that 8500 homes in the borough were “lacking in access to computers and WiFi”. The project aligned with LSIF, Mayoral and Lambeth priorities, evidenced below:
- About our work to improve digital access | Lambeth Council
- Appendix A – Digital Strategy.pdf (lambeth.gov.uk)
- Digital Access for all | London City Hall
The approach taken was to source new digital equipment to replace existing, out-dated laptops and peripherals that were being used, and to upgrade the broader range of equipment throughout Morley’s Stockwell Centre. Implementation also meant sourcing more advanced recording equipment to improve sharing of digital practice in Stockwell, across CL and all Morley’s college sites.
The Community Digital Hub was formally launched as part of Morley’s revamped Stockwell Centre in July 2024. New courses and outreach were delivered in the summer term 2024 and have been scheduled for 24/25. The high-quality resource received excellent feedback. Additional equipment purchased has been used widely by students and some drop-in visitors from the community. One challenge is to broaden and deepen uptake through further publicity, events and CPD.
Year 2 of the project aims to deliver set-up of Digital learning and teaching Hubs in all Morley College centres, with some investment in VR and CPD to embed VR and AI into learning and organisation in meaningful, practical ways. The hubs will train local staff, students, residents, partners and businesses in digital innovation.
