The Hidden Demands Of Technology: Digital Inclusion
It’s easier these days to work on something through your computer, laptop or tablet device because it’s instant, you can save your work anytime and move onto the next thing. But what happens to people without these digital devices, or people who don’t think they have the knowledge or skill to do great things with it?
There’s been a variety of times that I’ve seen people disadvantaged in schools, workplaces and in their homes because they did not have access to a computer or the internet. Even from my personal experiences, I sometimes feel disadvantaged as a university student for not owning my personal laptop to bring during classes. Although some classes provide computers, it’s ultimately up to the student to bring a laptop for other classes that don’t support it. What worries me the most is that sometimes I hate feeling this way, everything takes longer, people have to wait for me to finish my notes and sometimes I can’t contribute to discussions as people refer to stuff online. I also feel uneasy thinking of the fact that there are many Australian’s who might feel this way too, having limited access to computers, digital devices and internet at home.
Australians are ranked 9th in the top 100 Internet users per capita around the world, however there are inequalities in access between rural and remote communities. Due to the uneven distribution of ICT resources (such as internet connection and computer access), there is a significant digital divide. For example, there is a digital divide among refugee migrant groups in Australia within regional areas having challenges associated to the cost of broadband internet. Without internet, there are limitations to communication, use of e-services, online information, getting education and employment opportunities. It also prevents many people from getting connected socially.
“The main purpose to use the Internet, was to get in contact with relations abroad, because my country had a civil war, so most people relocated to other countries, like Norway, Canada, US, Australia, so we needed to get in touch with them Anon.”
It concerns me that social inclusion also involves the role digital technology can play in people’s lives, and how much it can impact them. Affordability, having access in general, the knowledge and skills all contribute to digital inclusion, which is a part of the digital divide that we are facing.
Although studies have only shown a difference between rural and remote communities, that doesn’t mean no one else faces problems of digital inclusion. From my personal experience, there were many times I’ve felt ‘left behind in society’ because of not wanting to improve my digital literacy skills. For example, learning how to use google docs, creating blogs or any form of posts/comments online, touching typing, and using cloud platforms to store data are all examples of digital literacy skills that people can face.
Digital inclusion doesn’t come down to skills, but there are many other reasons why some may not want use technology in the first place. For example, older people are more likely to be a non-user of internet because there are general concerns with security, lack of access, and lack of skills to be able to use it. There is also a negative perception of being older, therefore taking longer to learn or finding no need to in their daily lives. While there are various reasons and barriers, digital inclusion has a role in building social capital, and reinforce social inclusion to many.
Australia has taken a long time to consider digital divide as a significant issue, implementing few initiatives to further research, explore, and evaluate gaps or opportunities on the issue. One program that was able to provide some evidence, was the Notebook Borrowing Program.
By providing funding to a local rural primary school with notebooks students were able to borrow notebooks over the weekend or overnight. Analysis of the small-scale initiative showed that individuals had increased ability and confidence, better communication, increased access to information and fewer access time constraints.
Digital inclusion still has a long way to go, there are also concerns of what kind of environment the digital world will become. So, if digital inclusion initiatives or programs are going to be put into action, what types of things do people need to be concerned about when accessing information online? Or what to look out for in regards to your privacy? What personal information gets provided to companies?
While there are numerous debates surrounding privacy and security online, one thing I’m positive about is that digital inclusion can reduce the risks of social inclusion, alienation and even marginalisation that various people face today.
