The following video gives us an interesting perspective on how easily people and communities are being left behind in a myriad of ways socially, physically and emotionally by not having the opportunity to participate with technology.
http:/https://embed.ted.com/talks/aleph_molinari_let_s_bridge_the_digital_divide
As technology increases and the division between users and non-users narrows, it also deepens. The disadvantages for those that do not have internet access increases considerably as Schools and businesses have become digitally expectant of their users as a means of communication and education.
Participation and the Digital Divide
Participating in the digital age, allows for the opportunity for individuals to engage with people socially around the world, and access community services and information online. This opportunity to participate in the digital era is not one that is easily accessible or affordable for a large percentage of the population around the globe. In fact only 40% of the population has access to the internet (Internetlivestats.com).
A large amount of our lives are now spent online and can be divided into two categories – mere novelty versus essential needs (Bentley, 2014). To some communities the lack of affordable broadband is creating a digital divide for them to access the Internet and online services. For others the cost of affording digital hardware such as mobile phones, ipads and laptops are far beyond their reach.
When these factors are taken into account, the focus shifts to the relationship between access and the use of technology for social and economic equality. (Snyder, n.d.). In Europe it is deemed a Human Right to have access to the Internet, so that each individual has the opportunity to engage in email, online job advertisements, government services and distance education (Bentley, 2014). The basic cost of equipment, such as laptops and ipads, has come down over recent years as the market is flooded with choice and constant upgrades to hardware are being offered. This equipment is useless though without Broadband. Much like in Europe, Australia and other countries are realizing the importance to individuals, and the country’s economy, to have the population online.
To ensure that future generations have access and fluency on digital devices, the Queensland Government implemented the Smart Classrooms Planning Cycle (Department of Education and Planning QLD) in 2013 to support schools in their ICT endeavors with students. It states:
The Smart Classrooms Planning Cycle provided schools with a mechanism for planning, measuring and reporting on their progress towards making ICT and eLearning integral to teaching and learning. From 2013 Schools should reflect on their ICT assets and ensure that these remain relevant in order for their students to make the most of the digital technologies available to them as they engage with the Information and Communication Technology capability of the Australian Curriculum.
The obstacle to ensuring the success of this plan is now focused on accessible and affordable broadband services. Only 1 in 5 Australians are accessing the internet (Bentley, 2014). The worst affected are rural communities that have unreliable, and in some cases no access to the Internet. The ability for larger numbers of people to participate will depend on governments and digital enterprises coming together to ensure broadband services are available, reliable, affordable and accessible to the community.
References
Bentley, P.(2014). Lack of affordable broadband creating digital divide. ABC News Melbourne. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-02/bridging-the-digital-divide/5566644
Molinari, A. (2011). Let’s Bridge the Digital Divide ( TEDx Video). TEDxSanMigueleAllende. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/aleph_molinari_let_s_bridge_the_digital_divide
Snyder, I. (n.d). Beyond the Digital Divide. Engaging with New Technologies in Marginalised Educational Settings in Australia. Monash University. Retrieved from http://books.publishing.monash.edu/apps/bookworm/view/Closing+the+Gap+in+Education%3F/182/xhtml/part03chapter04.html
The Conversation.com (2015). Selfie Stick in Sudan (Image). Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/what-the-science-and-technology-index-tells-us-about-development-in-africa-46504
Queensland Government. Department of Education and Planning. (n.d). Smart Classrooms. Retrieved from http://education.qld.gov.au/smartclassrooms/workingdigitally/index.html
Teaching in a Digital World 