Students who use computers at home or school
can become independent leaners and excel in
education
Most schools are moving towards personalised
learning using VLEs. Without internet access
young people can’t benefit from this
Having access to online educational
resources allows students to do better
work
A gap in ICT skills may exclude
people from particular jobs
People can take part in online courses to gain further
skills and qualifications , no mater where they are in the
world
Cultural
May people carry around MP3/4 players,
mobile phones and other digital devices
More children stay indoors and play on games
consoles instead of playing outside
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
People can watch video on demand and
catch up on the TV that they have missed
Many Cafes now offer facilities such as
the internet to attract customers
Social
People can feel left out if they do not have
technological goods and services
Not having access to communications such as email, IM and mobile
phones can effect peoples social interactions
Economic
People with knowledge of technology and
the skills to use it can get better paid jobs
Online banking allows people to use the facilities of
the bank in the comfort of their own homes
The internet gives people access to a wider
range of products and services
The internet allows people to research
products and get cheaper deals for good
s and services
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
The internet has led to a rise in
e-commerce and globalisation
People may feel pressure to purchase equipment
and ICT systems that they can’t afford
Countries with less ICT infrastructure may be
unable to make the most of globalisation, and
fall further behind at a greater rate
Reasons
Elderley
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.
Living in a Rural Location
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.
Disability
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.
Weak literacy skills
People with weak literacy skills may miss out on
products and services because they cannot read about
what is available.
Low income
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.
Ethnic Minority
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.