As FE colleges and universities move more of their resources online, the shift to digital platforms offers convenience but also creates barriers for many students.
Reliable internet, access to technology and digital literacy aren’t universal, meaning some students are left struggling to navigate their future choices.
Education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial background or digital capability. That’s why printed prospectuses continue to play a vital role. Removing them in favour of digital-only materials risks excluding students who need them most.
Digital poverty is a growing issue that affects thousands of students
Around 42% of young people (6million) do not have either home broadband or a laptop/desktop computer (Source: Nominet Digital Youth Index Report).
Research shared with The Guardian found that almost half of UK families with children lack the online skills, devices or broadband needed to fully participate in today’s digital world.
The study revealed that 45% of households with children did not meet the digital access threshold, with those from low-income backgrounds, minority ethnic groups, and households outside London most affected. Households with disabled parents were twice as likely to fall below this threshold.
Similarly, a report from the Digital Poverty Alliance estimates that between 13 and 19 million people over the age of 16 experience some form of digital poverty.
For students from low-income backgrounds, something as fundamental as researching courses, submitting applications or attending virtual open days can be a challenge. Without printed materials, some may struggle to make informed decisions about their education simply because they lack the tools to access the information.
Technology isn’t accessible for everyone
Even for students with internet access, digital platforms aren’t always the best option. Many students with learning difficulties, visual impairments or neurodivergent conditions find printed materials far easier to engage with.
- Dyslexia: On-screen reading can be difficult due to contrast and font issues.
- Visual impairments: Not all digital documents are properly formatted for screen readers.
- Cognitive overload: Scrolling through long webpages can be overwhelming for students with ADHD or autism.
Printed prospectuses allow students to process information at their own pace, highlight key details, and retain information more effectively than when skimming a website.
Why printed prospectuses are still important
Rather than seeing printed prospectuses as outdated, FE colleges and universities should recognise them as an essential accessibility tool. Here’s why they still matter:
- Equal access: Students without reliable internet can still explore their options.
- Better comprehension: Printed materials support deep reading and understanding.
- Personalised learning: Students can highlight, take notes and process information in their own way.
- Long-lasting reference: A prospectus can be kept, shared with family, and revisited at any time.
The solution? A blended approach
Moving everything online excludes students who need alternative ways to access information. Education should be open to everyone, whether they have the latest smartphone or no internet at all. Printed prospectuses provide a straightforward yet effective way to bridge the gap in digital access.
Instead of eliminating them, FE colleges and universities should embrace inclusivity by continuing to provide printed materials. Education should be a right, not a privilege tied to technology access.
By ensuring printed materials remain available, we take a step towards making education fair and accessible for everyone.
If you’re an FE college or university, keep offering printed prospectuses to support all students. If you need support with design and print of your prospectuses, get in touch today!
Speak to one of our specialists today using the details below and we will get back in touch soon as possible.
