OU Scotland first in tertiary education to join Scotland's Digital Inclusion Charter

The Open University (OU) in Scotland has proudly become the first tertiary education organisation to join Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter, reaffirming its commitment to addressing digital exclusion and supporting its students in overcoming barriers to accessing higher education.

As a leader in distance learning, the OU recognises that digital exclusion is a significant challenge for many students.

In Scotland, 700,000 people remain offline, unable to access the benefits of the digital world, and Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter exists to address this inequality. It builds on the success of the previous Digital Participation Charter, and supports, guides and recognises best practice in digital inclusion work in Scotland.

By signing the Charter, the University continues to pioneer for inclusion in all its forms, and specifically in tackling this issue and embedding digital inclusion principles into its curriculum, services, and operations to ensure no student is left behind.

A commitment to action

The OU’s pledge encompasses understanding and addressing the impact of digital exclusion, delivering inclusive services, and proactively identifying students’ digital needs. Key actions include:

• Learning from research and organisations addressing digital poverty, such as the Digital Poverty Alliance Report 2023.
• Listening to student feedback through surveys and events like the Student Voice.
• Offering financial and practical support for hardware, software, and connectivity.
• Ensuring students can access learning materials offline and use community resources like the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) access scheme.

The OU’s full pledge is available on the Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter’s website.

Shona Littlejohn, Depute Director for Student Experience and Widening Access at the OU in Scotland, emphasised the significance of the move:

“Joining Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter Is an important step in signalling our commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity. This pledge not only enhances support for our current students but strengthens our partnerships across Scotland to make a meaningful impact.”

Leading the way

As the first tertiary education organisation to sign up, the OU in Scotland is setting a benchmark for the sector. Its membership in the National Digital Inclusion Network and partnerships with organisations like the Good Things Foundation underline its commitment to collaboration.

By working together, the OU in Scotland aims to ensure that students not only access higher education but thrive in their studies and beyond, and is proud to play its part in building a digitally inclusive future for all.

16 December 2024