Strategies for Digital Inclusion

Citizen Participation ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Local Governance ◽

Full Potential ◽

Digital Inclusion ◽

Technology Innovations ◽

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can be used in diverse applications to accelerate information dissemination to improve efficiency of public services, to increase the transparency and accountability of government administration, to reduce corruption, and to facilitate citizen participation in local governance. Given the fact that few ICT projects in rural areas have scaled up, it seems that the full potential of ICT as an enabler of development is yet to be tapped. This chapter analyzes two projects from India that have overcome these challenges and have scaled up. In moving forward on digital inclusion so far, the focus has been on creating equitable access to Internet and other technologies. Adequate effort has not gone into understanding the context in which these technologies can deliver value by alleviating key problems of development in rural areas. A paradigm shift is needed. Instead of developing a technology and then looking for a context where it can be used, it would be more effective to understand the problems of the poor and identify what technology innovations can help solve any part of the problem. Invariably, technology will not be enough; other components will need to be put together to create a development. Mobile-based delivery, which can overcome some of these constraints, needs to be explored in a major way. In addition, new content useful for rural populations needs to be made available in the public domain.

Strategies of ICT Use for Women's Economic Empowerment

Encyclopedia of Gender and Information Technology ◽

10.4018/978-1-59140-815-4.ch177 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 1121-1127

Author(s):

Sonia N. Jorge

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Great Majority ◽

Economic Empowerment ◽

Development Tools ◽

Major Development ◽

The Cost

Information and communication technologies (ICT) provide a great development opportunity by contributing to information dissemination, providing an array of communication capabilities, and increasing access to technology and knowledge, among others. Access to and the cost of ICT continue to be a major development obstacle, particularly in the developing world. Despite the growth in mobile telephony, peri-urban2 and rural areas—home to a great majority of women and poor populations—continue to lack infrastructure and ICT services in general. For ICT to become meaningful development tools, ICT policy and programs must address the needs of women and the poor in general. This article discusses the main challenges and obstacles faced by women, suggests practical strategies to address those challenges and provides recommendations on how to proceed to improve the conditions leading to women’s economic empowerment.

E-Democracy Policy in Queensland

Electronic Government ◽

10.4018/978-1-59904-947-2.ch213 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 2858-2866

Author(s):

Monika Henderson ◽

Fergus Hogarth ◽

Dianne Jeans

Keyword(s):

Citizen Participation ◽

The Internet ◽

Discussion Forums ◽

Administrative Practices ◽

Record Keeping ◽

Parliamentary Debates ◽

The term e-democracy has tended to be used interchangeably in the literature with e-governance or e-government, and these terms have been described as “being in a constant state of definition, redefinition, and evolution” (Riley, 2002). For the purpose of this article, e-democracy is seen as one facet of a wider use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the business of government, where the focus is on increasing citizen participation in the public decision-making process rather than using ICTs to deliver government information, programs and services, to make financial transactions electronically, or to enhance government internal administrative practices such as record-keeping. E-democracy has been variously defined, described in one report as “easier to recognise than define” (Kellner, 2004). New terms have also been coined, such as m-democracy—“m” for mobile, addressing mobile communication technologies separate from electronic processes such as the Internet that are more commonly used for e-democracy (Brucher & Baumberg, 2002). The case study that follows proposes a simple definition: “E-democracy refers to the use of information and communication technologies in democratic processes.” E-democracy covers a wide range of activities that support public participation in democratic processes, including electronic voting, online consultation, Web-based discussion forums, electronic petitions to parliament, using the Internet to Webcast parliamentary debates, and digital polling and surveys. Clift (2002a) lists the leading e-democracy practices as e-mail notification as an active information dissemination tool; online public hearings and consultations; ICT use by members of parliament for electoral engagement; digital recording and availability of public hearing recordings and materials; and ICT-enabled local civic deliberations and global networking.

E-Democracy Policy in Queensland

Encyclopedia of Digital Government ◽

10.4018/978-1-59140-789-8.ch069 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 455-461 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

M. Henderson ◽

F. Hogarth

Keyword(s):

Citizen Participation ◽

The Internet ◽

Discussion Forums ◽

Administrative Practices ◽

Record Keeping ◽

Parliamentary Debates ◽

Bridging the digital divide for people with intellectual disability

Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace ◽

10.5817/cp2017-1-1 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Dany Lussier-Desrochers ◽

Claude L. Normand ◽

Alejandro Romero-Torres ◽

Yves Lachapelle ◽

Valérie Godin-Tremblay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intellectual Disability ◽

Digital Divide ◽

Citizen Participation ◽

Digital Inclusion ◽

Scientific Publications ◽

Environmental Support ◽

Digital Devices ◽

Recent data from several studies and surveys confirm that our society has entered the digital and information age. Some authors mention that information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential to enhance people’s power to act and promote equal citizen participation. These elements are particularly important for people living with intellectual disability (ID). However, it seems that the use of ICT is challenging for these people and that a digital divide has gradually formed between them and the connected citizen. The general objective of this theoretical article is to identify and illustrate the dimensions that must be taken into account to promote the digital participation of people with ID. The model is based on a qualitative analysis of scientific publications using a conceptual-style matrix (Miles & Huberman, 2003). The coding categories were derived from two main sources: the accessibility pyramid and the Human Development Model - Disability Creation Process. Five challenges or conditions associated with digital inclusion were identified: access to digital devices, sensorimotor, cognitive and technical requierements and the comprehension of codes and conventions. For each one, the obstacles and facilitators identified in the literature are described. These reflections and principles led us to propose a model in the shape of a gear. The proper operation of the gear system depends on the fit between individual resources and environmental support. The model is a first step to understand the digital inclusion of people with ID.

Infrastructural and Social Aspects of ICT Dissemination in Rural Areas in Ukraine in Juxtaposition with Other Post-Transition Countries—State of Play and Prospects for Rural Development

Journal of Risk and Financial Management ◽

10.3390/jrfm14010016 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 16

Author(s):

Aleksandra Synowiec

Keyword(s):

Rural Development ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Digital Literacy ◽

Transition Period ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Transition Countries ◽

Social Aspects ◽

The objective of this study is to identify the current state of, and the prospects for, information and communication technologies (ICT) dissemination in rural areas in Ukraine in juxtaposition with other post-transition countries. The spread of ICT is discussed within the frame of economic, infrastructural, and social factors affecting rural areas in Ukraine since the post-communist transition period. Information and communication technologies may support the socio-economic development of peripheral areas in many ways—including rural ones. Dissemination of ICT contributes to the emergence of sources of income, equalizes education opportunities, and increases the attractiveness of rural areas. However, the rural—urban divide in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and other former USSR countries is still remarkable and, as a type of structural inequality, should be better recognized. The source material is based on secondary data, which consists of selected literature on the subject of rural development in Central and Eastern European Countries, strategic documents, available reports and studies of international institutions, research from agencies, state documents and statistics, and research conducted by international and domestic NGOs. In reference to the paper’s objective, the method of content analysis was employed. Dissemination of ICT in rural areas in Ukraine is influenced by two groups of factors. The infrastructural divide concerning Internet access between rural and urban populations in Ukraine has been diminishing, but the issue of structural exclusion due to place of residence has still not been solved. As far as the social aspects of ICT dissemination in rural areas in Ukraine are concerned, the level of digital literacy among rural dwellers is significantly lower in comparison to urban residents. Rural areas are more exposed to the consequences of various aspects of digital exclusion.

Inclusão digital via acessibilidade web | Digital inclusion via web accessibility

Liinc em Revista ◽

10.18617/liinc.v5i1.297 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Cesar Augusto Cusin ◽

Silvana Aparecida Borsetti Gregorio Vidotti

Keyword(s):

Information Science ◽

Web Accessibility ◽

Information Architecture ◽

Digital Information ◽

Digital Inclusion ◽

New Information ◽

Science Information

Resumo A natureza atual da web, que destaca a participação colaborativa dos usuários em diversos ambientes informacionais digitais, conduz ao desenvolvimento de diretrizes que enfocam a arquitetura da informação digital inclusiva para diferentes públicos nas mais diversas ambiências informacionais. A pesquisa propõe e objetiva um ambiente informacional digital inclusivo, visando apontar os elementos de acessibilidade que permitam a promoção da inclusão informacional digital, de forma a destacar os referenciais da Arquitetura da Informação Digital, de recomendações internacionais, com o olhar da Ciência da Informação e das novas tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC).Palavras-chave inclusão digital; web; acessibilidade; ciência da informação; arquitetura da informação.Abstract The current nature of the web, which highlights the collaborative participation of users in various digital informational environments, leads to the development of guidelines that focus on the digital inclusive information architecture for different audiences in diverse informational environments. The study proposes an inclusive digital information environment, aiming to establish the elements of accessibility that enable the promotion of digital inclusion information in order to highlight the references of digital information architecture, the international recommendations, with the perspective of Information Science and the new information and communication technologies (ICT).Keywords digital inclusion; web; accessibility; information science; information architecture.

A inclusão digital no ensino de Ciências: analisando laboratórios virtuais de aprendizagem

#Tear: Revista de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia ◽

10.35819/tear.v6.n1.a2225 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aline Jaime Leal ◽

Lenira Maria Nunes Sepel

Keyword(s):

Science Teaching ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Virtual Learning ◽

Learning Objects ◽

Digital Inclusion ◽

Cd Rom ◽

Learning Labs

Resumo: Os Laboratórios Virtuais de Aprendizagem (LVA) são páginas web, softwares ou CD-ROM que contêm um conjunto de objetos de aprendizagem, os quais possibilitam a realização de atividades experimentais, preferencialmente, através da simulação de equipamentos, materiais e variáveis. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de descrever características relevantes para que um LVA auxilie o processo de ensino e aprendizagem de Ciências. Para isso, foram selecionados 30 artigos científicos, publicados entre 2001 e 2015, que aplicaram LVA no Ensino de Ciências, compreendendo as três subáreas: Biologia, Física e Química. Esses artigos abrangeram três idiomas (Espanhol, Inglês e Português) e foram selecionados por apresentarem pesquisa de opinião dos usuários e/ou avaliação da aprendizagem dos alunos após o uso do LVA. Analisou-se os LVA quanto a conteúdo abordado, nível de ensino a que foi destinado, recursos didáticos disponíveis, formato, metodologia empregada na sua aplicação e tipo de avaliação a que foi submetido (opinião do usuário e/ou aprendizagem dos alunos). Desta forma, a partir da opinião dos usuários (alunos e professores), bem como das concepções dos autores dos trabalhos analisados, identificou-se que determinadas características são consideradas relevantes para um LVA facilitar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem de Ciências. Dentre elas, destacam-se: apresentar o conteúdo teórico de forma clara e sucinta; ser fácil de usar para promover a inclusão digital de seus usuários; ser atrativo e interativo para despertar o interesse e motivação dos alunos, bem como a comunicação entre seus usuários; apresentar vários métodos avaliativos para acompanhar o processo de aprendizagem dos alunos.Palavras-chave: Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação. Atividades práticas experimentais. Laboratório Virtual de Aprendizagem. DIGITAL INCLUSION IN SCIENCE TEACHING: ANALYZING VIRTUAL LEARNING LABORATORIESAbstract: Virtual Learning Labs (LVA) are web pages, softwares or CD-ROM which contain a set of learning objects which allow carrying out experimental activities, preferably through simulation of equipment, materials and variables. This work was conducted with the aim of describing relevant features for which a LVA helps the process of teaching and learning of Science. For this purpose, 30 scientific articles have been selected, published between 2001 and 2015, applied LVA in Science Teaching, comprising three sub areas: Biology, Physics and Chemistry. These articles covered three languages (Spanish, English and Portuguese) and were selected for containing users opinion survey and/or learning evaluation of the students after using LVA. LVA was analyzed relating to the content, teaching level to what it was intended, available didactic resources, format, used methodology in your application and type of assessment to that it was submitted (opinion of the user and/or students' learning). In this way, from the opinion of users (students and teachers), as well as the authors' conceptions of analyzed works, it was identified that certain characteristics are considered relevant for LVA facilitates the process of teaching and learning Science. Among these features it can be highlighted: to introduce the theoretical content in a clear and succinct way; to be easy to use to promote digital inclusion of users; to be attractive and interactive to awaken students’ interest and motivation, as well as the communication between their users; to introduce several evaluation methods to monitor the learning process of the students.Keywords: Information and Communication Technologies. Practical experimental activities. Virtual Learning Lab.

Requirements Engineering in the ICT4D Domain

Computer Engineering ◽

10.4018/978-1-61350-456-7.ch201 ◽

2012 ◽

pp. 187-200

Author(s):

Kristina Pitula ◽

Daniel Sinnig ◽

Thiruvengadam Radhakrishnan

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Software Development ◽

Requirements Engineering ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Local Population ◽

Social Contexts ◽

The People ◽

Requirements engineering is an important stage in any software development. It is more so in the case of software development for social development projects in rural areas of the developing countries. ICT4D which stands for “Information and Communication Technologies for Development” is gaining more and more attention as computing is more widely affordable. This article is concerned with requirements engineering in the ICT4D domain. In many developing counties, a significant effort is being put into providing people in rural areas with access to digital content and services by using Information and Communication Technologies. Unfortunately most ICT4D projects pursue a top-down development model which is driven by the technology available and not by the very needs and social problems of the people living in rural communities (Frohlich et al., 2009). Existing technologies are often applied in a non-inclusive manner with respect to the local population, without sufficient adaptation or re-invention, and often without regard for user’s needs and their social contexts.

Handbook of Research on Global Challenges for Improving Public Services and Government Operations - Advances in Public Policy and Administration ◽

Citizen Participation in Public Administration

10.4018/978-1-7998-4978-0.ch005 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 72-93

Author(s):

Veronika Linhartova

Keyword(s):

Public Sector ◽

Public Goods ◽

Public Administration ◽

Citizen Participation ◽

Goods And Services ◽

New Concepts ◽

Decision Making Processes

The aim of the chapter is to evaluate the citizens involvement in contemporary public administration, especially in the Czech Republic. New concepts of governance and management of public sector organizations enable providing new or improved public goods and services that better meet consumer´s needs. These concepts also represent reformed or new approaches to governance with increased citizen participation. Public administration responds to dynamic changes in information and communication technologies and their maturity and uses them in the framework of e-government. Thanks to the implementation of e-government, citizens have become more knowledgeable, able to participate in decision-making processes, thus automatically becoming co-producers of public goods or services. This approach to public good and service delivery describes modern public sector management theories as co-creation. Although co-creation is an entirely new concept in some countries, various forms of public participation are becoming increasingly important worldwide and can be expected to continue in the future.

ICT Solutions for Improving Smart Communities in Asia - Advances in Human and Social Aspects of Technology ◽

Telemedicine for Healthier Community Development in Pakistan

10.4018/978-1-7998-7114-9.ch015 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 295-315

Author(s):

Bushra Hamid ◽

N. Z. Jhanjhi ◽

Mamoona Humayun ◽

Farkhanda Qamar ◽

Vasaki Ponnusamy

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Community Development ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Health Research ◽

The Other ◽

Quality Healthcare ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Providing affordable and quality healthcare is the most burning demand for humanity. It is a fact that more or less half of the world's population resides in rural areas, and a majority of these people are left without the most basic amenities, such as healthcare and education. It is considered difficult to open and manage healthcare facilities in any community using traditional healthcare models for the states with limited resources particularly for developing countries. One of the most popular substitute tools is telemedicine to improve healthcare for underprivileged groups. In telemedicine, information and communication technologies (ICTs) are employed to ensure healthcare at a distance. On the other hand, one of the main problems in developing countries is the quality and cost of healthcare. In health research, telemedicine has become a new hope for eliminating bottlenecks. In this study, the authors have examined what challenges and issues developing countries are facing in implementation of telemedicine; particularly, they examine Pakistan as a case.