Small Task: Addressing the digital divide - Reading 3.2

There seems to be a dispute of whether to charge fees for services because it will unfairly differentiate between those who can afford to pay and those who can't.

The term 'digital divide' is used to describe the gap between those people that have access and skill to use internet technologies and those that do not

In New Zealand, those that are most unlikely to have access to technology seems to be people on lower incomes, Maori and Pacific Islanders, those with lower educational levels, the elderly, the unemployed and as Cullen mentions in certain ethnic groups, the female gender too.

The networked society has contributed to this with access reliant on a telephone landline. Many New Zealanders do not have this, using mobile phones instead. Rural dwellers are also disadvantaged due to unreliable service in remote areas.On the other hand, even though all equitable access is given to the information society to empower them to use these resources effectively themselves, there may still be many who lack the skills. Consequently a ‘digital divide’ is created.

Other factors that have contributed to the widening gap are the costs involved in being connected to the internet (initial purchase of hardware , internet startup costs and subscriptions), the lack of products and services for the disabled, the user's lack of skills to use the internet because of low literacy levels, and not receiving guidance on how to use the internet as they are no longer at school or blue-collar workers who do not use computers in their employment.

Some people are simply not interested in using the internet at all. Often the elderly think it is not relevant to them. Similarly, some cultures do not place value on internet usage, instead focusing on oral culture and communication.

In my line of work, I do come across many who are information-poor. They are those who seem hesitant to ask for information or using the public computers simply because they lack the confidence/skills. They need help in basic navigation on a computer and once connected to the internet require a lot of guidance. I find the best strategy is to explain concepts in plain language. I urge them to ask questions and make sure they understand the answer before moving on. I deliver the information to their level and hope they learn a little bit each time they ask for assistance. One of the best direction is to demonstrate what I am doing, before handing them the keyboard to entice them to attempt the search themselves.I also encourage them to sign up for basic computer skills class which the library conducts.