Module 4 The Future of Connectivity: Socioeconomic Implications
It's evident that technology will continue to be as important in the future as it is now. But what about those in the global population who cannot afford or even understand the basics of computing? The digital divide is growing, as is digital literacy. What can be done to allow everyone equal access to the Internet? And just as importantly, who will be the ones to teach digital literacy skills to a burgeoning population? As the Internet (as we know it) becomes more embedded in our everyday lives, there will certainly be others who will be left behind. Read and watch the resources below to learn more about the growing problem of the digital divide in the increasingly connected world of the internet and social media.
Definitions/Concepts to know:
- Digital divide Links to an external site.
- Digital literacy Links to an external site.
- IC3 - Internet and Computing Core Certification Links to an external site.
Things to watch:
Let's bridge the digital divide
Links to an external site.
Get a read on this - Libraries bridging the digital divide
Links to an external site.
New York City's plan to bridge the digital divide with WiFi
Links to an external site.
Things to read:
Digital divide:
- Broadband for America Links to an external site.
- The State of Digital Divides Links to an external site.
- Without Internet, Urban Poor Fear being Left Behind in Digital Age Links to an external site.
- Closing the Digital Divide: Promoting Broadband Adoption Among Underserved Populations Links to an external site.(PDF White Paper; ICF International)
- Can Google Fiber really help bridge the digital divide? Links to an external site.
- Is Google making the digital divide worse? Links to an external site.
- Global digital divide worsens, World Economic Forum report says Links to an external site.
- Bridging the digital divide in Nigeria ( Links to an external site.White paper)
- Closing digital divide, expanding digital literacy Links to an external site.(audio & full-text)
- Soon you can 'check out' the Internet along with your library book Links to an external site.
- Digitisation to boost Africa's internet access Links to an external site.
- Disabled face 'digital divide' Links to an external site.
- The digital divide and people with disabilities Links to an external site.
- Over $32 million authorized to expand broadband in rural Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska from Connect America Fund Links to an external site.
Digital Literacy:
- Digitalliteracy.gov Links to an external site.
- Digital literacy is the bedrock for lifelong learning Links to an external site.
- Digital literacy can boost employability and improve student experience Links to an external site.
- Digital literacy: key enabler for building knowledge-based economy Links to an external site.
- Digital literacy essential for employment Links to an external site.
- Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) Links to an external site.
- IC3 as standard digital literacy for Nigeria Links to an external site.
- Certiport updates Internet and core computing certification (IC3) with next global standard for digital literacy. Links to an external site.
- Northside Forum builds alliances to bolster digital literacy Links to an external site.
- Microsoft helps boost digital literacy among Canadian students Links to an external site.
- Digital literacy drive: P N Panicker Foundations signs MoU with Intel India Links to an external site.
Organizations to watch: