17/11/2005 The Digital Divide

17/11/2005 Factor which create the digital divide Technological Economic Social Geographical Fear of technology Lack of motivation, knowledge and skills

17/11/2005 Technological Technology always advancing Systems rapidly out of date Newer software needs up to date systems Broadband requires up to date systems Keeping up is expensive Keeping up requires learning new skills Hardware and software developers are driving this advance Minimum systems specifications much greater than in the past Some can afford this new technology, many cannot Some can learn new skills, many cannot

17/11/2005 Economic Changes in Mobile Phone / Digital media / Satellite media technology means that people are being forced into updating existing equipment Updating because old equipment no longer workable –vinyl records -> CDs -> mp3 –Analogue TV (switch off within the next 5 years) -> Digital –VHS (Dixons no longer sell) -> DVD player/recorders Updating because of peer pressure –Must have latest video phone –Bullying –Fashion Some can afford this new technology, many cannot

17/11/2005 Social People without access to new technology face social exclusion –Banking –Medical Information –Education –Finding jobs –Etc. Social communication (texting, s etc.)

17/11/2005 Geographical Local –Some areas still cannot receive digital TV, radio, high speed broadband, mobile phone signals International –Poor countries do not have the infrastructure to provide Electricity Communications Education –Poor countries – poor people cannot have the necessary hardware or software to run digital services –Second hand refurbished systems from richer countries being given to poorer countries – does this help ? Implications ?

17/11/2005 Fear of Technology Affects –All generations to a certain but different extent –More mature and elderly who have never received any training at all feel and are afraid of the technology –Others who lack the knowledge but are wary of new technology Why? What can be done? What is being done?

17/11/2005 Lack of motivation, knowledge and skills –Disaffected people who cant be bothered to learn new skills –People with learning difficulties –People with disabilities All could be excluded from the new digital economy What initiatives are being taken to help these? –Easier to use software –Better Human Computer Interface –More training facilities –Specialist equipment

17/11/2005 Some research links and follow the link to Computer Aid International (express code 2016P) 'Dealing with the Digital Underclass' at

17/11/2005 Assessment A description of at least three factors contributing to the digital divide and some of the measures being taken to bridge the gap, with an evaluation of the impact/extent of the digital divide, drawn together to give a picture of the current situation.