In the six month Toronto pilot project study on computer/Internet training and use, both new and recent computer/Internet users stated at the outset that improving their basic technical skills was the major reason for participating. This was followed by information/benefit seeking activities such as searching for work and other skills training, word processing, improving skills to get a job, and finding information. By the end of the pilot study, participants had developed a reasonable level of confidence in their technology skills, but still had a strong desire to continue (both technical and other skills) training. An interesting side benefit from the project was that by locating Internet access terminals in the same room as the English literacy lab, enrolment for standard literacy increased. This was in part due to the fact that those attending literacy classes were first in line for the computers and the Internet at the end of class.

In terms of skills training, there was a marked increase in skill levels for participants over the course of the pilot. A minority (19 per cent) felt their computer skills to be excellent at the outset of the pilot, but this grew to almost half (47 per cent) six months later. The perception that individuals had developed average computer skills also increased through this training. By the end of the pilot, participants had developed confidence in their Internet skills, with over half (55 per cent) rating their skill level as excellent, and almost a third (30 per cent) as average.