Accessing Technology Current web usage statistics (http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm) Demographics – younger, higher income, more education Gender differences: women: email, directions, medical info men: research, weather, news, DYI Barriers to accessibility – economic and political The Digital Divide – gap between those who have access to digital technology (internet access) and those who don’t. Very real but is it important? Growing? Permanent? ITEC 102
Access Adoption S Curve vs. Sales per time bell curve Roger’s Diffusion of Technology research Adoption S Curve vs. Sales per time bell curve Disadvantages of no access? Projects targeting the divide: Cell phone project, $35 laptop, Last Mile Initiative Rwanda Do these programs work – not clear yet Access to employment opportunities, resumes sent via email, ability to have jobs that require tech skills, up-to-date news access, business and product market access, research info access. Hide homeless fact. ITEC 102