• 

  Joe Miles · 29/04/2010 at 8:27 pm

  Here is my letter to local candidates asking for their views and stance on technology and the digital age. I will post replies (if and when I get them!)

  “Dear local candidates,

  My name is Joe Miles, I am a teacher of ICT at the Gryphon School in Sherborne. Having visited the Vote Geek website (http://votegeek.org.uk) I felt it was time the subject of technology was addressed with the local candidates. We live in a digital age, which without doubt is becoming more and more advanced every day, as we see an increase in mobile use, broadband, digital broadcasts, pervasive computing and converged technologies. Having discussed issues of technology and the future of our digital age with students in years 10, 11 and 12, they have expressed their concerns and questions. These budding young students are being trained to go into the world of work and are fascinated by the pace of change and how it will affect them in years to come and also what is being done in their local area.

  We believe that not enough is said by campaigning candidates about their stance on technology, including issues like broadband speeds, the digital economy and ICT in education. For example some students have expressed their views on broadband speeds and the proposal to introduce a tax on land lines, in order to implement change. Many (including myself, as a professional) agree that this would be the right way to move forward and eventually provide all homes with high speed internet access, as let’s face it, we can’t live without being “connected”.

  Obviously the students at the school cannot vote in the general election, however we are keen to introduce politics to them and get them involved in thinking about the future of an age where they will inevitably see immense change.

  It would be interesting to hear your views on:

  • The Digital Economy Act 2010 and its implications;
  • Increasing broadband speeds for local communities;
  • What part you would play in the provision of technology in your constituency.

  Please be aware that I will publish a copy of this letter on http://votegeek.org.uk/category/england/dorset/ and I intend to publish your reply there also for the benefit of other constituents. I will also share any reply with school staff and students.

  Awaiting your reply, in anticipation,

  Regards

  Joe Miles”

  Reply

• 

  Joe Miles · 06/05/2010 at 3:59 pm

  I had a reply from Sue Farrant, Lib Dems. No reply from either Conservatives or Labour as yet.

  Reply is below:

  “Dear Mr Miles
  Thank you for your email and I am sorry not to have replied more quickly. I’m sure you will appreciate that it has been a busy time.

  I was interested in the points you made and wondered if technology issues might come up when I met members of the sixth form on Tuesday. As it happened nobody raised them but we did run out of time.

  Rather than write a lengthy essay on the Digital Economy Act, broadband speeds and provision of technology locally, I think it would be much better if I were to come and have a face to face discussion with you and your students. I’d like to hear their views, and yours as an IT professional. Perhaps when the dust has settled after the election we could arrange something?

  Best wishes
  Sue Farrant”

  Reply

Leave a Reply