Green Gown Awards 2019 - The University of Edinburgh - Finalist

Digital Ambassadors aimed to increase the level of digital literacy in Edinburgh through specialised classes and public drop-ins. As we see everyday tasks like shopping, banking and paying bills move to online platforms, digital literacy is becoming an increasingly necessary life skill. Yet, according to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, 1 in 5 adults in Scotland lack essential digital skills.  

During this project, approximately 20-30 volunteers from across the University of Edinburgh, including staff, undergraduates and postgraduates, gave one-to-one tuition in basic digital skills such as emailing, using the internet for shopping and staying safe online.  

In the past 9 months, the project has hosted 44 events across Edinburgh, reached approximately 200 members of the public. In its third year, the project has grown and made an impact on digital literacy, increasing confidence in individuals’ use of digital devices and befriending in the local community. 

Top 3 learnings 

• The importance of mutual learning and understanding between university volunteers and members of the public. 
• The importance of considering benefits to society when developing programmes. 
• Extending learning opportunities for our students beyond their classrooms and empowering them to make impact in their communities.