People with access to the Internet are far more likely to be learning than those without access. This is why NIACE has launched Digital Day today as part of England's Adult Learners' Week.

Go On: learn something online

People with access to the Internet are far more likely to be learning than those without access. Almost half of adults (46 per cent) who have access to the Internet have learnt something in the last three years, whereas only 14 per cent of those without access have done so. This is why NIACE has launched Digital Day today as part of England's Adult Learners' Week, with support from partners, including Race Online 2012, the GO ON campaign, the BBC, JISC Techdis, JISC Regional Support Centres, FinerDay.com, the Open University and Age UK.

Across the country events will be taking place to encourage adults of all ages to understand the benefits of digital technology, from how to get online for the first time, to how to make the most of all the Internet has to offer, whether that's staying in contact with friends and family through sending emails or using webcams, or how to find a job or learn online. Digital Day also encourages learning providers, teachers and tutors to use technology as part of their sessions.

Research by NIACE for this year's Adult Learners' Week also found that only 16 per cent of those without Internet access say that they are likely to take up learning in the next three years compared with 44 per cent of those with access. In fact those without access are twice as likely as those with Internet access to say that they are very unlikely to take up learning in the next three years.

The Internet is now the clear source of information and advice about learning with nearly half (43 per cent) saying it is their main resource - rising to 52 per cent for 25-34 year olds. In 2002 just 2 per cent chose the Internet.

To show how things have changed, in 2002 one in five (20 per cent) people aged between 25 and 64 said the workplace was the principal place for guidance and another 12 per cent citing workmates. This year employer/work/training officer totalled between 3 - 8 per cent, while work colleagues are used by 1 per cent.

John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said:

"The internet is not only an important learning tool in its own right, but it's a fantastic way for people to get information about all the forms of learning available to them. The Government is committed to tackling digital exclusion. My own department, the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), provides funding for a network of UK Online centres that encourage and support people to complete online basics courses and are a key part of Race Online 2012."

Alan Tuckett, Chief Executive of NIACE, said:

"The impact of the internet and other digital technologies increases every year - and so of course does the level of exclusion of the 9 million without internet access. Digital skills are now skills for independent life - and strategies to extend access to them are central to the work of NIACE and of this Adult Learners' Week."

Alastair Clark, NIACE Programme Manager, said:

"The internet is now such an important tool for learning that it's essential to demonstrate this during Adult Learners' Week. Digital Day coincides with Silver Surfers' Day, and together, the two initiatives will help to encourage adults of all ages to get online and make the most of the learning opportunities available. NIACE's long history of digital learning work continues with our support for Race Online 2012, led by Martha Lane-Fox, and our subsequent development of ‘Go On learn something online'."

 Paul Miller, from the JISC Regional Support Centre Northern, said:

 "The Regional Support Centres believe that Adult Learner's Week is a fantastic opportunity for people to experience some of the brilliant courses on offer and to have a go at learning through technologies. For example, many providers have online Virtual Learning Environments which enable learners to engage with their course at any time of the day or week. Social media and networks are being used to build online learning communities, extending the class sessions and encouraging learners to create their own learning activities. There are lots of great online resources produced for adult learning, including the NLN materials and the BBC content. Technology can improve access to learning and better still, it makes learning even more fun!"