3. digital inclusion

7/25/2019 3. Digital Inclusion

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Digital inclusion

Digital inclusion is the ability of individuals and groups to access and use

information and communication technologies. "Communications services and

technological innovations should be accessible and affordable to all because of the

implications they have for the sustained economic development. The three

elements supporting the success of technology in cities are broadband (commonly

understood as high-speed Internet) access, broadband adoption (understanding ho

it can be used) and the effective application of it."

Digital Inclusion is therefore concerned ith addressing ine!ualities, here those

unable to access the affordance of technologies are, disadvantaged, marginalised in

society and therefore digitally e cluded. In addition to e!uality, e plicit and

implicit definitions of digital inclusion encompass a number of inter-related

concepts of #ccess, $se, %mpo erment and &articipation.

To help explain digital inclusion, we've created a Digital Inclusion Infographic.

#ccess and use of information and communication technologies impacts

individuals and the community as a hole. The technology itself is the tool. #

digitally inclusive community is important to economic and or'force

development, civic participation, education, healthcare, and public safety. uilding a digitally inclusive community re!uires participation and support from

all sectors libraries, community based organi*ations, business and government and

policy ma'ers. Digital inclusion strategies vary idely. %ven pro+ects that seem

similar are implemented differently, often to accommodate local populations and

utili*e e isting resources


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The populations least li'ely to be online include the less educated, individuals ith

lo er incomes, seniors, and persons ith disabilities.The most common reasons an indivudal ould not be an internet user and or have

a home broadband service are cost (of the technology and or the home broadbandservice), relevance and lac' of digital s'ills.

The following terms are often used to describe digital inclusion efforts

roadband #doption The national roadband &lan defines the barriers of

broadband adoption as cost, digital literacy and relevance. Digital iteracy- Digital literacy is the ability to use information and

communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate

information/ it re!uires both technical and cognitive s'ills. Community Technology Centers (CTCs) or &ublic Computing Centers (&CCs)

Computer labs providing free access to technology and technology training. 0ome

locations also provide free ifi. 1utside of the $nited 0tates, they are referred to

as telecentres.

Benefit from Enhanced Digital Inclusion

The four main areas of potential economic benefit from enhanced digital inclusion

Improved education and employment outcomes, for e ample as individuals

enhance their !ualifications and this improves their earnings and or their

probability of finding employment/ Improved health and ell-being outcomes, for e ample through access to

improved health information and health services/


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%fficiency savings for public service providers enabled by greater use of online

information and &otential benefits for consumers able to purchase a ider range of products at

lo er prices."

Actions to tac le digital exclusion

Digital Inclusion Charter signatories to address the barriers that have stopped

people going online by delivering a set of ten actions

2. 3a'e digital inclusion part of ider government policy, programmes and digital

services.

4. %stablish a !uality cross-government digital capability programme

5. 6ive all civil servants the digital capabilities to use and improve government

services

7. #gree a common definition of digital s'ills and capabilities

8. oost goes on &artnership &rogramme across the country

9. Improve and e tend partnership or'ing

:. Create a shared language for digital inclusion

;. ring digital capability support into one place

. $se data to measure performance and improve hat e do


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Increase of Digital Inclusion

Technology and internet access strategies for individuals include

&ublic access computers. Computers accessible to defined populations (such as residents of a housing

comple ). ?ree ifi hotspots. o cost options for home computer purchasing. &artnering ith broadband providers to offer lo cost broadband.

% tending broadband service into rural areas lac'ing reasonable cost high speed broadband.

Digital literacy and other technology training in trusted and comfortable locations

(libraries, community centers, churches, schools, recreation centers, senior centers,

etc) supported by trained computer instructors, librarians and lab monitors. Training that focuses on the outcome (such as +ob searching) rather than the

technology. This approach is often referred to as pro+ect based learning. @outh digital media pro+ects guiding young people to ard professional technology

use and civic engagement. Technology training and guidance for small businesses. #ccessibility technology and strategies for persons ith disabilities. # areness campaigns highlighting the relevancy of broadband for target

populations. Technology fairs focused on community members sharing and teaching each other. Civic engagement training that teaches community members ho to engage online

ith government.

Barriers to Digital Inclusion


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57A of non-internet users thin' the internet is +ust not relevant to them, saying

they are not interested, do not ant to use it, or have no need for it. 54A of non-internet users cite reasons tied to their sense that the internet is not

very easy to use. These non-users say it is difficult or frustrating to go online,they are physically unable, or they are orried about other issues such as spam,

spy are, and hac'ers. This figure is considerably higher than in earlier surveys. 2

3. digital inclusion

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