The recent Get Online Week 2010 heralded success for the Isle of Wight Digital Imaging Group, when we focused efforts and exceeded our target of getting over 50 people online.

We ran four events promoting web and computer use at our meetings in Dimbola Lodge, throughout October.

We were really pleased to be on the map as one of only three events taking place across the Isle of Wight.  We had a lot of phone calls thanks to the BBC who provided details of our events to interested callers.

Gary Early said: The first two Get Online sessions (6th, 13th) went very smoothly, but a blip in internet access on the 20th made sure we went to the wire on the final evening (27th). We had people queuing up to register and it was touch and go whether we could exceed our target. Thankfully we did and we will be happy to run future events such as this to bridge the island digital divide.

The national government initiative to Get Online opened the doors to anyone wishing to take part.

The main focus of the IWDIG Get Online introduction was a fun online game called ‘Splash & Grab’ New and old users to the internet practiced basic computer skills. After playing Splash and Grab, they were automatically registered with myguide – www.myguide.gov.uk – and got a free email account along with access to free bite-sized computer courses.

Managing Director of UK online centres, Helen Milner, said recently:

“This year we extended Get online week so anyone can run an event – not just existing UK online centres. We know from experience that local activity on the ground is crucial in getting people to take action and get involved in their communities.”

It would appear from the map provided via UK Online Centres that there were only three such activities taking place on the Island. Two were from registered UK Online Centres however it appears the IWDIG were the only community group advertised who took up the challenge. 

Well done to everyone who participated.