Reach for the Clouds: initial findings and working hypotheses

The first report in this series provided an introduction to the Reach for the Clouds (RFTC) network, the research and evaluation project, and the social profile of the estate. In this second report, we explore in more detail the possible outcomes of the computer network for the residents. The primary sources for this report are a survey of the residents, conducted in late 2002, and data from two collector districts for the 2001 Australian Census. These collector districts represent a significant sample of the Atherton Gardens estate. Combining these sources with our other research on the estate and our identifications of its groupings and interests, we can make preliminary comments on what residents expect from having a computer, how they are now using them and would like to use them. We can also sketch out the current needs of the residents, in terms of education, employment, sources of information, communication and social participation. In each case, we can add to this outline some working hypotheses about the potential impact of the RFTC network. These initial findings and working hypotheses are intended as points of comparison for the final stage of our research in early 2004.