STI Handout 1 PDF: The Challenges in Computing

IT2221 THE CHALLENGES IN COMPUTING Specific Impacts of Digital Divide Digital Divide Most people with lower incomes face the adverse impacts of the digital...

IT2221 THE CHALLENGES IN COMPUTING Specific Impacts of Digital Divide Digital Divide Most people with lower incomes face the adverse impacts of the digital divide. The lack of Internet access creates challenges that hinder Digital Divide economic opportunities and adaptability. It is the gap between those with Internet access and those without it. Here are some of the adverse impacts of the digital divide: It is one of the biggest challenges that areas of computing share as one would need Internet access to utilize computing, computers, 1. Healthcare opportunities: Health experts argues that Internet networks, and the web. access is a significant public health issue stating that it is a social factor of health as lack of access means exclusion from vital The disparities in Internet access are attributed to the following factors: health information and resources. 1. Availability – It deals with the accessibility of the Internet in the 2. Economic opportunities: The lack of strong and quality area without going the extra mile, such as climbing on the roof or broadband connections decreases economic chances and a mountain for connectivity. adaptability for workers and business owners in e-commerce. 2. Affordability – It concerns whether the Internet is affordable or 3. Educational opportunities: The lack of Internet access for not based on a household's income. students denies them the educational benefits of the Internet. This gap results in unequal learning outcomes and has been 3. Quality of Service – deals with the quality of upload and particularly proven during the COVID-19 pandemic. download speed given the price and based on user needs. Solutions to Bridging the Digital Divide 4. Relevance – concerns the need for Internet in local areas and if there is local interest and understanding of the relevance of Governments and private organizations have successfully brought Internet access. Internet access to as many people as possible, but there is no single solution to bridging the gap. Data on Digital Divide The other unconnected half of the world’s population is the hardest to There are several approaches to measure the gaps in Internet access. connect to the Internet as they often live in low-density or low-income Some sources look at the saturation of devices used, while others look areas that are not feasible for telecommunication companies to at the areas covered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). provide services and build infrastructures. According to the UN’s Broadband Commission for Sustainable Community networks solve these challenges by bringing affordable Development, an estimated 3.6 billion people remain entirely Internet access to those most in need. But beyond making the Internet unconnected to the Internet, which is about 53.6% of the global accessible and affordable, community networks help address some of population as of 2022. the specific impacts of the digital divide. 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 1 of 3  IT2221 For example, the Internet Society in Nepal initiated Effective Elements of Digital Inequality Broadband for Health which aims to help health problems by bringing Internet access to their communities by ensuring affordable telehealth These are the elements that enforce the existence of digital inequality options in rural areas. in a community or a nation. Murambinda community network in Zimbabwe has brought changes 1. Educational – focuses on educating the citizens to enhance their in education, healthcare, and agriculture through Internet access. It computing and Internet technologies skills to use them properly. shows that community members who build networks also strengthen Factors such as lack of basic education, non-proficiency in their shared digital literacy skills. technology, and lack of skills in accessing the Internet and devices contribute to this problem. Digital Inequality 2. Infrastructural – facilitates issues that help citizens to have easy Digital Inequality and effective access to information technologies. Consistent and reliable Internet towers and power supply in rural and remote parts It is the discrepancy in knowledge and skill in using computing and must be provided to establish accessibility to computing and Internet technologies among individuals with socioeconomic Internet technologies. backgrounds, IT experiences, and varied demographics. It is one of the most critical issues for a country's social and economic growth. 3. Social – focuses on the citizens’ trust and awareness about social issues and uses computing and Internet technology. Rural and Digital inequality resists the continuation of national development and illiterate citizens are unaware nor motivated and not getting prevents a nation from becoming a developing country. enough support to learn and use digital services for their economic development Digital Inequality vs. Digital Divide 4. Economical – highlights the importance of computing and Digital Divide contrasts the “haves” and “have-nots” of proper Internet Internet technology from an economic standpoint. It includes the connectivity. At the same time, Digital Inequality highlights the lack of digitization-based investment and limited opportunity for differences between the users based on their IT skills that reduce the online-based business. Rural and illiterate citizens are unwilling to digitization process, its deployment, and adoption of any developing invest in digitization-based businesses, resulting in e-commerce country. sites’ demise. For example, students unable to participate in online classes because 5. Usable Design – deals with how easily citizens use computing of limited Internet access or unavailable smartphone or computer and Internet technologies. User experience (UX), user interface create a digital divide between those students who have it and those (UI) in multiple languages, and accessibility are appropriately who do not. On the other hand, it results in digital inequality when a designed. Rural and illiterate citizens are unwilling to use new student has Internet access and devices but does not know how to technologies with difficult usability and user experience. utilize them for reasons such as face-to-face preferability and limited technological skills. 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 2 of 3  IT2221 Solutions for Digital Inequality It is important to adopt, accept, and use computing and Internet technologies to achieve the nation’s goal of being an established country centered on digitalization. Challenges that come with digital inequality and the digital divide must be addressed and overcome to make that possible. Digital Equity and Digital Inclusion are vital to resolve the challenges. Digital Equity is the condition wherein individuals and communities have the information technology capacity for full participation in society, democracy, and the economy. It is significant for civic and cultural duties, employment, and access to essential services. Digital Inclusion is necessary to ensure that individuals and communities, including the least privileged, have access to information and communication technologies. Digital inclusion strategies must evolve as rapidly as the development and changes in technology. References: Islam, M. & Inan, T. (2021). Exploring the fundamental factors of digital inequality in Bangladesh. [Web Article]. Retrieved on July 29, 2021, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21582440211021407 Muller, C. & Aguair, J. (2022). What is digital divide? [Web Article]. Retrieved on July 29, 2021, from https://www.Internetsociety.org/blog/2022/03/what-is-the-digital-divide/ NCDIT (2022). Closing the digital divide. [Web Article]. Retrieved on July 29, 2021, from https://www.ncbroadband.gov/digital-divide/closing-digital- divide 08 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 3 of 3