Ploughing Championships Survey Results

Difficulty using technology and literacy skills are significant barrier to accessing information and using services

The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is doing an anonymous survey with people attending the National Ploughing Championships to get a better understanding of the public’s confidence with literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. The results so far show:

Using technology

• 75% of people surveyed say that either they or their family and friends have difficulty using technology, for example using the internet to find information or use services. (30% say that they have difficulty; 45% say that they know family and friends who have difficulty; and 25% say they don’t have difficulty with technology tasks.)

Reading and writing

• 44% of people surveyed say that either they or their family and friends have difficulty reading, writing or spelling, for example filling in forms or understanding information.  (9% say that they have difficulty; 35% say that they know family and friends who have difficulty; and 56% say they don’t have difficulty with literacy tasks.)

Math

• 38% of people surveyed say that either they or their family and friends have difficulty doing math or numeracy, for example, adding up prices, working out medicine dosage or measuring quantities. (12% say that they have difficulty; 26% say that they know family and friends who have difficulty; and 62% say they don’t have difficulty with numeracy tasks.)

Live survey – see the most up to date results from the survey

“Given how people are being forced online it is not surprising they are having difficulty. Our sample survey shows that almost two thirds of the people we spoke to have difficulty using technology, for example using the internet to find information or use services.  This has profound implications for how government, banking and other services need to be designed and delivered.” said Colleen Dube, the National Adult Literacy Agency’s CEO.

Statistics above from first 135 responses taken on 20 September and up to 10 am on 21 September 2022.

Have a go – complete the survey

Literacy, numeracy and digital literacy in Ireland

In Ireland, more than 500,000 people have unmet literacy and numeracy needs, and for example could have difficulty filling in forms, helping kids with homework or working out bills. Many more struggle with digital tasks. All of these are key life skills to be able to access information, make informed decisions and take part fully in society.

About the National Adult Literacy Agency

The National Adult Literacy Agency is an independent charity committed to making sure people with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs can fully take part in society and have access to learning opportunities that meet their needs. We are a leading campaigning and lobbying force on adult literacy issues. We are involved in adult education, tutor training, developing teaching materials, tutoring services, policy making, research and campaigns to raise awareness of the causes, extent and responses to adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy difficulties in Ireland.

Stand number: National Adult Literacy Agency (5), Block 3, Row 39, Stand 609 (The HUB – Education and Business)

Pictured: Helen Ryan, NALA Policy Officer and Thomas Campbell, NALA Student Subcommitee Member at the National Adult Literacy Stand at the National Ploughing Championships.