Reexamining the Digital Divide

2011 ◽  
pp. 738-744
Author(s):  
Karen R. Juneau
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Technology Access ◽  
Efficient Technology ◽  
Economic Issues ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Digital World ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Potential Factors

The concept of the “digital divide” refers to perceived differences in opportunity and achievement caused by economic and social disparities that limit access to technology. In general, the concept represents that as technology advances, some groups within society gain greater access to more efficient technology while other groups that are unable or unwilling to participate in the use of technology are left behind. This lack of participation in the digital world is considered to place these individuals or groups at a disadvantage relative to their more connected peers. The term “digital divide” also describes information technology disparities between nations and technical accessibility disparities within smaller societal groups. Although this issue has been researched for over a decade, both the concept and proposed solutions to problems related to technology access are controversial. As the concept of a digital divide moves beyond economic issues, conflicts between technology and aesthetics are emerging as potential factors in the debate over the adoption of new technologies.

COVID-19: Unmasking the Digital Gender Divide in a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Shouman ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Gender Inequality ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Economic Life ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Digital Inequality ◽  
Digital Revolution ◽  
Digital World ◽  
Gender Divide

Abstract The digital revolution has paved the way to a digital world that stimulates economic growth, develops health outcomes, and raises millions out of poverty by means of new technologies and services. The COVID-19 outbreak hastened the implementation of digital solutions at an exceptional speed, producing unforeseen opportunities for alternative methods to social and economic life. On the other hand, the COVID-19 crisis threatens to repel hard-won achievements in gender equality, further revealing women’s vulnerabilities based on their already existing economic, social and political situations. Tackling the digital gender divide is essential to guaranteeing sustainability of women’s livelihood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to find out if the COVID-19 crisis is enforcing existing digital inequality keeping in mind that failure to address the gender digital divide will increase gender inequality. Keywords: Digital revolution, COVID-19, gender equality, digital gender divide, digital inequality

scholarly journals Manfaat dan Dampak Digitalisasi Logistik di Era Industri 4.0

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-63
Author(s):  
Erwin Raza ◽  
La Ode Sabaruddin ◽  
Aziza Leila Komala
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Logistics Process

All the time, innovative and new technologies continue to be developed. This forces anyone involved in the logistics industry to adapt so as not to be left behind and experience adverse effects. With the 4.0 industrial revolution, now many companies are starting to implement digitalization in their logistics activities. There are five main technologies that must be considered in the 4.0 Industrial Revolution, namely Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Wearable Technology (WT), Advanced Robotic (AR) and 3D Printing (3DP). This research was conducted to explore the benefits and impacts of digitizing the logistics process in the Industrial 4.0 era by examining it from various sources. The results showed that the use of technology for digitizing logistics provided many benefits both for individuals and for corporate organizations. The stakeholders are expected to be able to work together adequately to ensure the technology present in the Industrial 4.0 era provides the benefits that are expected.

scholarly journals Nurses and the acceptance of innovations in technology-intensive contexts: the need for tailored management strategies

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Barchielli ◽  
Cristina Marullo ◽  
Manila Bonciani ◽  
Milena Vainieri
Keyword(s):  
Social Influence ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Utaut Model ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Facilitating Conditions

Abstract Background Several technological innovations have been introduced in healthcare over the years, and their implementation proved crucial in addressing challenges of modern health. Healthcare workers have frequently been called upon to become familiar with technological innovations that pervade every aspect of their profession, changing their working schedule, habits, and daily actions. Purpose An in-depth analysis of the paths towards the acceptance and use of technology may facilitate the crafting and adoption of specific personnel policies taking into consideration definite levers, which appear to be different in relation to the age of nurses. Approach The strength of this study is the application of UTAUT model to analyse the acceptance of innovations by nurses in technology-intensive healthcare contexts. Multidimensional Item Response Theory is applied to identify the main dimensions characterizing the UTAUT model. Paths are tested through two stage regression models and validated using a SEM covariance analysis. Results The age is a moderator for the social influence: social influence, or peer opinion, matters more for young nurse. Conclusion The use of MIRT to identify the most important items for each construct of UTAUT model and an in-depth path analysis helps to identify which factors should be considered a leverage to foster nurses’ acceptance and intention to use new technologies (o technology-intensive devices). Practical implications Young nurses may benefit from the structuring of shifts with the most passionate colleagues (thus exploiting the social influence), the participation in ad hoc training courses (thus exploiting the facilitating conditions), while other nurses could benefit from policies that rely on the stressing of the perception of their expectations or the downsizing of their expectancy of the effort in using new technologies.

scholarly journals Teen Culture, Technology and Literacy Instruction: Urban Adolescent Students’ Perspectives

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Li ◽  
Catherine Snow ◽  
Claire White
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Adolescent Students ◽  
Use Of Technology

Modern teens have pervasively integrated new technologies into their lives, and technology has become an important component of teen popular culture. Educators have pointed out the promise of exploiting technology to enhance students’ language and literacy skills and general academic success. However, there is no consensus on the effect of technology on teens, and scant literature is available that incorporates the perspective of urban and linguistically diverse students on the feasibility of applying new technologies in teaching and learning literacy in intact classrooms. This paper reports urban adolescents’ perspectives on the use of technology within teen culture, for learning in general and for literacy instruction in particular. Focus group interviews were conducted among linguistically diverse urban students in grades 6, 7 and 8 in a lower income neighborhood in the Northeastern region of the United States. The major findings of the study were that 1) urban teens primarily and almost exclusively used social media and technology devices for peer socializing, 2) they were interested in using technology to improve their literacy skills, but did not appear to voluntarily or independently integrate technology into learning, and 3) 8th graders were considerably more sophisticated in their use of technology and their suggestions for application of technology to literacy learning than 6th and 7th graders. These findings lead to suggestions for developing effective literacy instruction using new technologies.

PENGEMBANGAN KONSEP OPEN GOVERMENT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS LAYANAN KOTA PALEMBANG (STUDI KASUS : KOTA PALEMBANG)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-90
Author(s):  
Tri Akhyari Romadhon ◽  
M. Izman Herdiansyah
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Quality Measurement ◽  
City Government ◽  
Open Government ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Abuse Of Power ◽  
Civil Society Participation ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The City

Open Government is committed to improving the quality of information availability on government activities, supporting civil society participation in government, upholding professional standards in public administration to prevent corruption, abuse of power and increasing access to the use of new technologies to support accountability and openness. Currently, many governments have implemented e-government which supports the government's goals in open government. Where, e-government is used to describe the use of technology in carrying out several government tasks. The city government of Palembang has several applications or e-government systems that are open government. The city government of Palembang has not made a quality measurement of the e-government that has been implemented, so it is not known the level of quality in each application or system implemented. Based on this explanation, it is necessary to analyze the level of service quality in the system that has been implemented by the Palembang City Government.

scholarly journals THE NEED FOR INFORMATION AND THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AS FACTORS OF CRITICAL AND UNCRITICAL DISSEMINATION OF PANDEMIC NEWS

2021 ◽  
pp. 170-195
Author(s):  
Elena I. Rasskazova ◽  
Galina V. Soldatova ◽  
Yulia Y. Neyaskina ◽  
Olga S. Shiriaeva
Keyword(s):  
Subjective Experience ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Digital World ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Relationship

Relevance. The modern society creates the image of a successful person as actively interacting with different information flows, including an impressive stream of news content. This paper assumes that there is a personal need for tracking and spreading news that develops in the interaction between person and digital world. The individual level of this need could explain the interaction with information (its critical and uncritical dissemination) and the subjective experience of its redundancy and inaccuracy, including those experiences and actions in a pandemic situation. The aim of the study was to reveal the relationship of the subjective need for news with personal values, beliefs about technologies (“technophilia”) and the dissemination of news about the pandemic. Method. 270 people (aged 18 to 61) filled out The short (Schwartz) Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ), Beliefs about New Technologies Questionnaire, Monitoring of Information about Coronavirus Scale as well as items on the subjective need for receiving and disseminating news, readiness for critical and non-critical dissemination of news about pandemics, subjective experiences of redundancy and distrust of pandemic-related information. Results. According to the results, the Need for News Scale allows assessing the subjective importance of receiving news and discussing them with other people and is characterized by sufficient consistency and factor validity. The need for regular news is more pronounced among men, older people, people with higher education, married people, people who have children, while the need to discuss news is not related to sociodemographic factors. For people, who are more prone to technophilia, it is more important to regularly receive and discuss news information with others, which, in turn, mediates the relationship between technophilia and monitoring news about coronavirus. The need for news dissemination mediates the relationship between technophilia and readiness for critical and non-critical dissemination of information about the pandemic.

scholarly journals The Effect of the Use of Technology on the nature of Teacher’s Profession

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Sally Kondos
Keyword(s):  
Computer Technology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Computer Usage ◽  
Traditional Role ◽  
Creative Mind ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Computer Knowledge

Educational programmes have recognized the growing need to use computers in the classes as it presents unprecedented challenges that help the students to acquire an inquiring, critical and creative mind to capitalize on the opportunities driven by the growth of information, knowledge and technology. The computer knowledge has begun influencing student’s learning experience for more than 25 years ago, but it was in a moderate manner (Cuban, 2001). However, the past decade has witnessed major trend toward integrating computer technology in all the language classes. The integration has increased because the computer technology represents an accessible and instant information, enormous potential for interactivity and media–rich communication, as well as educational tools which engage the students in the classroom (Mouza, 2002). Undoubtedly the recent advancement in information technology and computer usage in the classroom is rapidly transforming the environment of the classroom. The teachers cannot ignore the reality the today’s classroom must provide technology-supported learning (Angers & Machtmes, 2005). Being prepared to integrate the technology in the classroom has become a paramount skill in every teacher’s professional repertoires. The traditional role of the teacher as the center of the schooling is changing recently with all the introduction of the new technologies in the classroom. One of the effects of the new technologies is the decentralization of teachers in the learning environment (Damrian, 1998). This introduces a very valid point of how the teaching profession will change in the era of digital technologies. What is the role of the teacher in a classroom where he/she is no longer the only source of knowledge? How can he/ she teach effectively in a class, where every student has his/her computer and can Google any piece of information? The following study will investigate the effect of the implementation of the technology in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classes on the nature of the teachers’ profession.

scholarly journals Virutal Reality Tourism - Exploring New Possibilities Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (S1-Feb) ◽  
pp. 230-234
Author(s):  
Vidya H N
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Innovative Approach ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Tourist Attractions ◽  
Virtual Experience ◽  
Digital World ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

This paper explores the tourism trends emerging in post COVID- world. This pandemic was conscientious for an abrupt transformation in the way world travelled. This impulsive impediment in the tourism and hospitality industry was not only unconstructive to the growth of the industry but the imminent influences on future tourism are also looking dim and muted. Virtual Reality has emerged as a new innovative approach to attract viewers though providing them a virtual experience of tourism a tour destination with enhanced technological version. Virtual reality is the new normal in the digital world. People are slowly gaining access to digital tourism experiences through Virtual Reality tourism concept. The increase in virtual reality tourism trend is most welcome thing globally. This trend capitalizes on the use of technology to make viewers experience a touring destination. It includes Virtual Reality tours through which a tourist or viewer can experience a tourist destination, hotel interiors, restaurant interiors, outdoor tourist attractions, shopping sites, archaeological inputs, museums, etc sitting in home. This viewer is made to experience complete visit of the destination through VR head gears and comply with his aspirations of touring. Without being physically present on the tourist site a viewer can become a tourist and see all sites as naturally as a tourister. But this usage of technology driven virtual reality tools are challenged by several factors.

Digitally disconnected: A qualitative study of patient perspectives on the digital divide and potential solutions (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Alcocer Alkureishi ◽  
Z-Yi Choo ◽  
Ali Rahman ◽  
Kimberly Ho ◽  
Jonah Benning-Shorb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Patient Perspectives ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Technology Access ◽  
Broadband Internet

BACKGROUND As telemedicine utilization increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, divergent usage patterns for video and audio-only telephone visits emerged. Older, low-income, minority, and non-English speaking Medicaid patients especially are at highest risk of experiencing technology access and digital literacy barriers. This raises concern for disparities in healthcare access and widening of the “digital divide”, the separation of those with technological access and knowledge and those who do not. While studies demonstrate correlation between racial and socioeconomic demographics and technological access and ability, individual patients' perspectives of the divide and its impacts remain unclear. OBJECTIVE We aimed to interview patients to understand their perspectives on 1) the definition, causes, and impact of the digital divide, 2) whose responsibility it is to address, and 3) potential solutions to mitigate the digital divide. METHODS Between December 2020-March 2021, we conducted 54 semi-structured telephone interviews with adult patients and parents of pediatric patients who had virtual visits (phone and/or video) sometime between March and September 2020 at the University of Chicago Medical Center primary care clinics. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze interview data. RESULTS Patients were keenly aware of the digital divide and described impacts beyond healthcare, including employment, education, community and social contexts, and personal economic stability. Patients described that individuals, government, libraries, schools, healthcare organizations, and even private businesses all shared the responsibility to address the divide. Proposed solutions to address the divide included conducting community technology needs assessments and improving technology access, literacy training, and resource awareness. Recognizing that some individuals will never cross the divide, patients also emphasized continued support of low-tech communication methods and healthcare delivery to prevent widening of the digital divide. Furthermore, patients viewed technology access and literacy as drivers of the social determinants of health (SDOH), profoundly influencing how SDOHs function to worsen or improve health disparities. CONCLUSIONS Patient perspectives provide valuable insight into the digital divide and can inform solutions to mitigate health and resulting societal inequities. Future work is needed to understand the digital needs of disconnected individuals and communities. As clinical care and delivery continue to integrate telehealth, studies are needed to explore whether having a video or audio-only phone visit results in different patient outcomes and utilization. Advocacy efforts to disseminate public and private resources can also expand device and broadband internet access, improve technology literacy, and increase funding to support both high- and low-tech forms of healthcare delivery for the disconnected.

Factors affecting institutional repository adoption among research scientists and related stakeholder for digital scholarship : roadmap towards research visibility and collaboration in Ghana

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kodjo Atiso
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Institutional Repository ◽  
Culturally Appropriate ◽  
University Of Missouri ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Digital World ◽  
Research Scientists

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This dissertation is a qualitative study of institutional repository (IR) adoption among research scientists (RS) in Ghana. In view of the importance of this platform, which is used to disseminate and promote scholarship in the digital age. This work aims at understanding the factors affecting its adoption, which could potentially create the baseline for developing a culturally appropriate IR for the Ghanaian research community. It has been argued that scientific research on the African continent is lagging behind other regions in the world, and in order to increase research visibility, more resources will have to be provided for research and dissemination. One such resource for disseminating scholarship is the IR. IRs are emerging digital platforms that showcase the research capability of universities and research organizations. IRs are increasing in visibility within academic circles around the globe, and they have potential to benefit Ghana. In the digital world, IRs are important for scholarship in order to ensure visibility of local content and to build a community of researchers. They also have potential to enable the research community to overcome access restrictions due to hikes in journal prices leading to inability of libraries to subscribe to them. In Ghana, acceptance and adoption of IR among RS is minimal, in spite of the potential benefits that come with such adoption. A critical review of the literature indicates that technology developers do not attend to users' attitudes and behavioral factors pertaining to different environments to the same extent that they invest in the technology. As a consequence, new technologies sometimes fail to meet users' expectations. Technology serves different purposes in diverse communities and the need to include the community user group at the outset of its development cannot be underestimated. This qualitative study aims at investigating the factors affecting IR adoption among research scientists in Ghana. Three qualitative methods were used, 1) document review, 2) observation, and 3) in-depth interviews with three groups of participants: the heads of institute research libraries (librarians), directors (administrators) of the institutes, and RS who constitute the main users of institute libraries. The multiple methods of data collection were supported by systematic data analysis, allowing themes to emerge which were consistent with how participants view IRs in the scholarship process. The themes that emerged from the data illuminated users' perceptions and behavioral patterns affecting IR adoption among the research community in Ghana. The research findings generated seven general themes that reflected participants' perception of IRs. The first four were common to all participant types and were thus classified as major themes: (education and sensitization, collaboration and visibility, uninterrupted electricity supply and incentives). The last three were classified as minor themes, as they were particular to the different participation groups (data security for research scientists, funding for administrators and technology for librarians). Based on the findings, this study lays out recommendations for developing a culturally appropriate IR for one of Ghana's foremost research organization, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) researchers. Finally, this study recommends further investigation into IRs, which could lead to improved understanding of scholarly communication within the CSIR and also with possible extension to the entire research community in Ghana. In short, this study pieces together themes that lay out a possible roadmap for a culturally appropriate IR system, first for the CSIR scientific community and then for Ghana as a whole.

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