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All
aboard the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Bus
People
in Cumbria are going to be driven into the digital age with a pioneering
new project from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.
A
new high-tech bus is being unveiled next week with a fully-kitted
out mobile radio studio and online computers.
It
is part of an investment of more than Β£1 million additional
funding by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ in the North East & Cumbria over the last
two years which has meant new services and digital equipment.
"The
new bus will hugely increase the access local people have to the
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ," says Nigel Dyson, Managing Editor, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Cumbria.
"Individuals
and community groups can drop in to surf the net or take part in
more structured basic skills and multi-media training - or simply
come in and see us broadcasting.
"Through
the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and its partners, the learning horizons will be expanded
for thousands of adults in Cumbria."
The
ambitious Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ project Β– in partnership with Cumbria County
Council and the Learning and Skills Council for Cumbria - will take
programmes closer to communities and tackle the internet "digital
divide".
Qualified
tutors will be on hand to help people who have never used a computer
before and offer advice to others who want to improve their skills.
The
purpose built "interactive" bus is equipped with the latest
technology to allow people to surf the internet; use a digital camera;
edit videos on their PC; use a digital video camera to shoot their
own film; create their own digital music; edit sound on their computer;
master word processing; or make their own website.
Cumbria
County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education,
says: "I am delighted that the County Council is able to work
in partnership with the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and the Learning & Skills Council
to provide such an invaluable service.
"One
of this council's priorities is to increase educational standards
and skills levels and work in partnership with schools, Government
agencies and other interested parties to do this.
"This
bus will enable young people, who may not have easy access to IT
equipment, to start using some of the latest technology. I wish
it every success."
Mick
Farley, Executive Director for the Learning and Skills Council,
says: "The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Bus is an exciting project which will utilise
the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ brand to attract visitors and turn their curiosity into
action through learning.
"The
LSC Cumbria which champions the power of learning is proud to be
a funding partner of the bus which will help extend and widen participation
in learning."
The
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Bus will spend up to a week in each location - whether it is
a small village or large urban community - bringing learning opportunities
to everyone's doorstep.
In
each place, the bus team bring stories from the grass roots of Cumbria,
and find people with an interesting story to tell.
Information
on where the bus will visit is broadcast on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Cumbria and
on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ website at .
Notes
to Editors
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Bus will be open to the public next week at the following locations:
Monday
28 July
Asda,
Carlisle - 11.00am to 5.00pm
Tuesday
29 July
Safeway,
Whitehaven - 1.00 to 5.00pm
Wednesday
30 July
K Village,
Kendal - 1.00 to 5.00pm
Thursday
31 July
Town
Square, Barrow - 1.00 to 5.00pm
After
the launch of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Bus, it will spend up to a week in one place
offering people the chance to try out the facilities and take up
courses in learning.
The
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Bus will be at Sainsbury's in Cockermouth between 11.00am and
3.00pm from Monday 4 to Thursday 7 August.
A
list of forthcoming venues and dates is available on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Cumbria
website at .
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