scholarly journals Variety of Strategies in Primary Education: The Responses of the Four UK Nations to the COVID-19 Crisis

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-139
Author(s):  
Hironobu Sano ◽  
Lilia Asuca
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Public Value ◽  
School Closures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Innovative Capacity ◽  
Remote Learning

<p style="text-align:justify">This article analyses the strategies of the four United Kingdom (UK) nations to mitigate the impacts of primary school closures and the shift to remote learning due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. A theoretical framework based on a combination of the field literature of strategy and public value was developed to analyze their initiatives. This is a qualitative and exploratory study, and its data was collected from each country’s website, research papers, and media news. The findings reveal five key areas of action: remote learning; keeping schools open to assist vulnerable students and key workers’ children; access to the Internet and electronic devices to mitigate the digital divide; free meals to disadvantaged learners; and students’ assessment. The analysis suggests that the four nations initially adopted a coordinated action and gradually followed three different paths: deliberate strategies, adjustment to the pandemic situation, and development of emergent strategies. The variegate of strategies show the innovative capacity of the countries and the search for public value. Further research is suggested to address the impact of the strategies.</p>

The Digital Divide and K-12 Student Computer Use

10.28945/2926 ◽  
2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
James N. Morgan ◽  
Craig A. VanLengen
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Computer Use ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Limited Basis ◽  
K 12 ◽  
The Impact

The divide between those who have computer and Internet access and those who do not appears to be narrowing, however overall statistics may be misleading. Measures of computer availability in schools often include cases where computers are only available for administration or are available only on a very limited basis (Gootman, 2004). Access to a computer and the Internet outside of school helps to reinforce student learning and emphasize the importance of using technology. Recent U.S. statistics indicate that ethnic background and other demographic characteristics still have substantial impact on the availability and use of computers by students outside of the classroom. This paper examines recent census data to determine the impact of the household on student computer use outside of the classroom. Encouragingly, the findings of this study suggest that use of a computer at school substantially increases the chance that a student will use a computer outside of class. Additionally, this study suggests that computer use outside of the classroom is positively and significantly impacted by being in a household with adults who either use a computer at work or work in an industry where computers are extensively used.

scholarly journals The impact of Internet use on mental wellbeing and health behaviours among persons with disability

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Szulc ◽  
M Duplaga
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Disability is frequently related to the digital divide. However, the Internet may be also an opportunity for many people with disabilities, especially for those who suffer from difficulties in involving in social activities. For some of them, it is also a tool for undertaking professional tasks. The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of the Internet on selected aspects of psychological wellbeing and undertaking health behaviours in persons with disabilities. Methods From the data set of the biannual Social Diagnosis survey, data of respondents confirming the status of disability were extracted. They were used for the development of multivariate logistic regression models for self-assessment of life, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts, feeling lonely, the use of psychological support and health behaviours. The impact of Internet usage was adjusted for sociodemographic variables. Weights provided by the study team were used in the analysis. Results The responses from 3231 respondents were used in the analysis. There were 33.1% of Internet users in the study group. Respondents with a mild disability made 25.3%, with moderate 39.4%, with severe 24.2%, and without an established degree of disability 11.1%. Logistic regression modelling revealed that Internet users more frequently assessed their lives as happy (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (OR, 95%CI): 1.40, 1.13-1.75) and undertook some form of physical activity (2.32, 1.84-2.91). They also less frequently excessively consumed alcohol (0.51, 0.33-0.80). No relation was found for experiencing loneliness (0.89, 0.71-1.12), suicidal thoughts (0.998, 0.77-1.29), receiving psychological care (0.84, 0.62-1.14) and smoking (0.83, 0.66-1.04). Conclusions Although persons with disabilities suffer from digital divide, Internet use may exert a beneficial impact on their wellbeing and favour more beneficial health behaviours. Key messages Internet access and use among persons with disabilities may be an opportunity for improved wellbeing. Persons with disabilities who are Internet users assess their lives as more happy and demonstrate more favourable health behaviours.

Overcoming the Digital Divide

2011 ◽  
pp. 1578-1584
Author(s):  
Al P. Mizell ◽  
Cecil Sugarman
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Senior Citizens ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Income Levels ◽  
Information Tracking ◽  
Education And Employment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The U.S

We all know that technology has become a dominant force in today’s society for people of all ages. However, certain elements of society have less access to technology than others. In the literature, discussions and research on these discrepancies tend to focus on factors such as gender, sex, socioeconomic status, race, education, and employment. Occasionally, age is taken into consideration. In reviewing online articles related to the digital divide, it appears that there are many more articles, reports, and projects that focus on factors other than age. Few looked at the impact of the digital divide on senior citizens. One article, “The Internet and Older Adults” (U.S. Administration on Aging, 2004), reports that: Senior citizens comprise 13% of the U.S. population, but just 4% of the U.S. Internet population. Since their numbers are so small, there has not been much research about what these ‘wired seniors’ are doing online and how they feel about the Internet. It turns out that seniors who have Internet access benefit greatly from the resources available online—communicating with family, researching health information, tracking their investments—all from the comfort of their home or senior center. (paragraph 2) The term “digital divide” is often heard and freely used, but what is it? It has been defined by Carvin (2000) as: “…the gap between those people and communities with access to information technology and those without it. Yet, the fact is there are many divides, characterized by community, ethnic, economic, and age groups.” He goes on to add that “households earning incomes over $75,000 are over 20 times more likely to have home Internet access than those at the lowest income levels” (Carvin, 2000, paragraph 1).

scholarly journals The impact of digital divide for first-year students in adoption of social media for learning in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohube I. Mphahlele ◽  
Sello N. Mokwena ◽  
Appolonia Ilorah
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
The Internet ◽  
First Year ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
The Impact

Background: Social media comprise technologies that facilitate learning in higher education institutions. However, many first-year students at tertiary education institutions are not taking advantage of social media for their learning because of environmental and personal factors related to the digital divide (DD).Objectives: The objective of this research study was to investigate the impact of the DD factors on first-year students in using social media for learning in tertiary education institutions.Method: A survey method was used to conduct the study. Social cognitive theory was employed as a theory underpinning this research. A questionnaire technique was used to collect data from 600 first-year students of a multi-campus university. Three hundred students came from each of the two campuses. Regression analysis was performed with the purpose of testing the hypotheses of the study.Results: The result of the analysis revealed a low computer access and usage but a high percentage of mobile devices usage by students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Personal factors were found to have an impact on the behaviour of students in adopting social media for their studies. The study also found that the prevalence of social media nullifies the lack of computer resources and connection to the Internet in disadvantaged areas.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the DD was more complex than hitherto envisaged. The study recommends that ownership of computers and devices connected to the Internet needs to be promoted, especially in disadvantaged areas.

scholarly journals Parent Voices: Suggestions for Remote Learning during COVID Pandemic and Beyond

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Nikki Logan ◽  
Uzeyir Ogurlu ◽  
Amber Garbe ◽  
Perry Cook
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Internet ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Asynchronous Instruction ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Parents Experiences ◽  
Remote Learning ◽  
At Home

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ways in which teachers educated students drastically changed beginning in early 2020. Educators were challenged to provide synchronous classes, asynchronous instruction, and also teach students without the use of the internet. Limited research investigating parents’ experiences and suggestions for remote learning has been conducted, yet they are a significant partner in providing remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to gain insight from parents by asking the question: How would you like educators to support you with teaching your kids at home during COVID-19 school closures? Results from 122 online survey showed that educators could adapt how they provide assignments/tasks regarding differentiation, instructions, and modality; make additional considerations for how families, students, and teachers communicate and access materials; and indicated a variety of reactions to remote learning such as satisfaction, teacher mindsets of understanding and flexibility, and the format of school during COVID-19. Recommendations stemming from the data have the ability to impact future remote learning related to COVID-19 or additional school closures as a result of weather and professional development.

scholarly journals Digital Divide: The Case of Developing Countries

10.28945/3344 ◽  
2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle W. L. Fong
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Personal Computer ◽  
National Income ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
The Internet ◽  
International Dollar ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
The Impact

This research paper assesses the impact of ICTs (which includes the Internet, mobile phone, pager, personal computer, and telephone) on Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in developing countries in 2005. It found a significant relationship between GNI per capita (in PPP international dollar) and adoption of each ICT (mobile phone, personal computer, and telephone) but not for Internet technology adoption. In addition, it identifies factors that developing countries need to consider in the adoption and application of ICTs for economic development.

Using Prospect Theory to Explore the Digital Divide

2013 ◽  
pp. 49-61
Author(s):  
Porche Millington ◽  
Lemuria D. Carter
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Prospect Theory ◽  
Computer Anxiety ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Psychological Skills ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public And Private Sector ◽  
The Impact

The growing popularity of Internet-based technology in both the public and private sector has led to a disparity known as the digital divide. The digital divide is described as the gap between those who have access to the Internet and other Internet-based technologies and those who do not (Wattal, Hong, Mandviwalla, & Jain, 2011). J. van Dijk (1999) outlines the digital divide as four types of access barriers: material, psychological, skills, and usage. This chapter reviews the four types of access divides and uses prospect theory as a means to highlight the impact of computer anxiety and computer self-efficacy on psychological access. Suggestions for future research are provided.

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