As stated in other posts, I am worried that robots will rise up against us and overthrow our time here on earth. I am not the only one on this issue, and a lot has been written about the issue of robots too. So how does the FoI act help on this issue? Think sideways on this issue. ALL robotics and programming start with literacy and numeracy and so maybe we could see what programmes are being developed to help people's literacy and numeracy.
So where to start on this issue? A look at the different authorities on www.whatdotheyknow.com showed that you can ask universities different FoI requests. Skynet has its deep roots into the human population and would want us to improve our literacy and numeracy; looking for these guys help and advice would PROBABLY be a good place to start. All Welsh Universities were asked the following questions:
Please can you tell me if your university has done any of the following:
1) Developed a program which helps in the development of numeracy and computer literacy for children between year one to year eleven.
2) Developed a program which helps adults learners (+18) in the development of numeracy and computer literacy.
3) Worked with any amature groups to help them develop a project related to either numeracy or computer literacy
By amature groups I was hoping to see if they were working with local grass root organisations or hackerspaces (There are two in Wales; one in Cardiff, and one in Swansea). So what was the response?
Aberystwyth University does a lot of work that they do for people’s numeracy and literacy. I won't go into too much detail here - purely because you can read their response here - but suffice to say the amount they do is brilliant (A bit worrying that they help develop robotic clubs… Skynet is starting small…) Cardiff University also do a lot of work through their math department and their techno camps (Still under construction at time of writing) which is good to see. Cardiff Metropolitan University has a good programme and does a bit to help and so does the University of South Wales to help improve literacy and numeracy.
There is an elephant in the room, however. Those of you that know Welsh Universities will know that There is one missing, which is Bangor. Bangor were the LEAST responsive of the lot. With some of the responses above, they basically gave me the fact that they have courses and specialise and so forth. Fine. Look at this response, however. Could they have done less work? Even if they just gave basic details, that would have been nice. That being said, however, we know where we stand.
So what about outside of Wales? Would other organisations help to develop computing skills that would eventually lead to the development of Skynet? What about the Association of Greater Manchester Authority? They help improve the economic growth and education prospects of the manchester area. Do they do anything to develop computer skills and broadband speeds? Not so much the computer skills but LOTS on the broadband speeds.
As was stated ages back, every FoI teaches you a little bit more about the next. So with the thought that the Greater Manchester Authority helps to develop broadband speeds, what about Wales? Well the Welsh government have yet to get back to me (At time of writing) about what they are doing with regard to the average broadband speeds and phone reception in Wales. The National Assembly for Wales, didnt do any studies either.
So where do we go from here? Well, there are other organisations that can help develop the internet and so forth? For example, how about the East of England Broadband Network. Have they helped the Welsh Government? At time of writing, No. What about the South West Grid for Learning Trust? Again, they have yet to get back to me. When they do, I will update.
Strip back everything that I have said now about Skynet, again. I have asked what are the universities doing to help literacy and numeracy and what are we doing to improve broadband speeds. The journey has told us that there are lots of things that the universities are doing to help improve the life of kids and get them interested in technology. It has also shown that Manchester is really doing a lot to help the area, and that the Welsh Government has no idea about broadband in the area (At time of writing). It will be interesting to think about what they come up with in the months to come.
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