Techno-Savvy Students Join Forces to Bridge the Digital Divide

A group of gadget-loving students harnessed the very latest technologies to produce a highly-creative multimedia presentation at Edge Hill University.

Students from Edge Hill, the University of Central Lancashire and Riverside College in Halton, joined forces for the Digital Slam event to explore the potential power of linking up a variety of different digital technologies and tools.

Armed with mini-camcorders, digital voice recorders, ultra-small laptops (eeepcs), standard PCs, mobile phones and digital cameras, the students put together a lively presentation for their colleagues. The process, known as digital storytelling, is an emerging, interactive medium which is fast gaining popularity in such fields as the media and education.

As well as exploring the power of new technology, the students also examined the phenomenon known as the Digital Divide, which refers to the knowledge gap which can develop between people who have effective access to digital and information technology and those who don’t.

Lindsey Martin, Edge Hill University’s eLearning Strategy and Development Manager, said:

"We had so many gadgets that James Bond would have been in his element.

"It was great to see the students really getting into the technology. In many cases, what they were seeing was new to them, despite the fact that we assume that all young people are up to speed with every new gizmo on the market."

The students who attended said the day had opened up their eyes to new ways of getting a message across.

Pam Hampton, a student at the University of Central Lancashire, said:

"It was a great day - very interesting and informative. I must admit I am a techno geek and I love my gadgets and the internet. I am pleasantly surprised to have learnt some useful stuff."

Digital Slam was organised by Edge Hill University’s Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, known as SOLSTICE, together with guest lecturer Mark Roche from Manchester Metropolitan University.

SOLSTICE supports students studying across multiple and dispersed locations by offering online and blended learning opportunities. It seeks to capture the power of new technology to deliver programmes flexibly, but is learning focused, rather than technology driven.