Digital Divide

Digital Divide

Implications
1. Educational
  1. Students who use computers at home or school can become independent leaners and excel in education
  2. Most schools are moving towards personalised learning using VLEs. Without internet access young people can’t benefit from this
  3. Having access to online educational resources allows students to do better work
  4. A gap in ICT skills may exclude people from particular jobs
  5. People can take part in online courses to gain further skills and qualifications , no mater where they are in the world
2. Cultural
  1. May people carry around MP3/4 players, mobile phones and other digital devices
  2. More children stay indoors and play on games consoles instead of playing outside
  3. Cultural and/or religious influences might dissuade some groups of people from using ICT which could lead to lack of access, lack of education and an inability for counties to participate in globalisation
  4. People can watch video on demand and catch up on the TV that they have missed
  5. Many Cafes now offer facilities such as the internet to attract customers
3. Social
  1. People can feel left out if they do not have technological goods and services
  2. Not having access to communications such as email, IM and mobile phones can effect peoples social interactions
4. Economic
  1. People with knowledge of technology and the skills to use it can get better paid jobs
  2. Online banking allows people to use the facilities of the bank in the comfort of their own homes
  3. The internet gives people access to a wider range of products and services
  4. The internet allows people to research products and get cheaper deals for good s and services
  5. Less well off people may not be able to afford the initial set up costs of ICT systems resulting in them being unable to access certain services
  6. The internet has led to a rise in e-commerce and globalisation
  7. People may feel pressure to purchase equipment and ICT systems that they can’t afford
  8. Countries with less ICT infrastructure may be unable to make the most of globalisation, and fall further behind at a greater rate
Reasons
1. Elderley
  1. Older people might think that the technology is too advanced for them and they will never be able to learn how to use it. This will deter them from buying into new technology, e.g. older people might prefer writing letters as it is what they are used to, and they may not want to switch to email.
2. Living in a Rural Location
  1. Services are rolled out first in areas with the greatest population, where the infrastructure is better. This is cost-effective for the companies because they get a greater return on their investment more quickly. In rural areas houses can be quite far apart, so services to these areas are reduced. Companies may be less willing to invest as it is not as cost-effective. Sometimes people living in rural areas need to pay to get the service installed.
3. Disability
  1. People who have a disability might not be able to operate products that are aimed at the mass market, so these people have to wait until products and services are adapted to their needs, e.g. people who are hearing impaired have to wait for TV programmes with subtitles.
4. Weak literacy skills
  1. People with weak literacy skills may miss out on products and services because they cannot read about what is available.
5. Low income
  1. People on a low income will probably prioritise essential items such as food, clothing, rent/mortgage and household bills. Money is likely to be an issue if you are unemployed, a refugee, a recent immigrant, paying back debts, etc.
6. Ethnic Minority
  1. People from ethnic minorities may have the same problem as people who have weak literacy skills. They might be isolated from mainstream society and unaware of what is available. They might also have different cultural values from the mainstream, which means that they do not want the products or services that are available.

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	Creado por Eggo hace alrededor de 10 años