A Brief History Outcomes of the March 2010 summit, “Social Media and Social Change,” related to access and digital literacy Course-based student studies (2009 and 2011) in partnership with VCU and UR students, produced: – –Literature review, observational studies, focus group and interviews – –Map of local assets and list of local and national initiatives – –Mapped access centers The Community Foundation & Knight Foundation’s support of VCU research to inform their work

4 Levels of Affect: Individual, Community, State, Nation Effects are economic, social, cultural and political All 4 levels, the digital divide amplifies disadvantages, making it harder to compete in a local or global economy Because technology evolves so quickly, disparities grow exponentially if the gap is not addressed

Individual Who: Older adults, people with disabilities, those with less education, those living in rural or low- income areas VA ranks 23 rd for home broadband access at 69.5% (US ave. 68%) – –32% of Virginians have no home Broadband access – –22% of households in VA have no Internet access; 6% used dial-up; – –ISP data shows VA has a 92% wireless access rate About 1/3 of US citizens are not on line (50% see no value)

The United Nations declared Internet access a human right The U.S. ranks 15 th among 30 countries for broadband penetration It is defining a nation’s ability to compete, innovate Most wired cities: Seoul, Amsterdam, Singapore, Seattle, Talin (capital of Estonia)

Defining the Digital Divide From digital divide to digital equity knowledge and skills, and culture Broadband versus adoption Access vs use is multi-faceted: number & quality of computers; literacy/know how, transportation; qualified teachers; layered barriers (e.g., language), transportation, hours open & time limits

Source: The Community Information Toolkit developed by the Knight Foundation, the Monitor Institute and the Pew Internet and American Life Project (2011) Community Information Ecosystem: Infrastructure, Skills, Supply

National and International Context National Obama’s National Wireless Initiative Federal funding: BTOP and SBDD The National Broadband Map International The United Nations declared Internet access a human right The U.S. ranks 15 th among 30 countries for broadband penetration & 2 nd for

Survey Findings: Barriers to Individuals – –Individuals face barriers to obtaining information and services, experience social isolation and miss out on civic and economic opportunities. – –3 reasons why use access--Find a job, communicate w friends & family, accomplish a task like paying a bill (as of July 1 it costs $5 more to go into DMV to renew your license than if you do online

Opportunities & Challenges for Access Centers Volunteers to provide one-on-one help and teach classes Access Centers (80 located) Two types: (1) (1)information-based (2) (2)service-based – –Advantages of each

Limiting Factors for Access Centers Waiting lines and time limits Trained staff/volunteers to help Up-to-date equipment Location and hours of operation Approximately half of access centers offer formal training/classes

Local Initiatives City of Richmond: – –Department of Information Technology – –Eastview Project – –City schools – –Mayor’s Anti-Poverty Initiative

Local Initiatives Counties: – –Chesterfield: Connected Government – –Hanover: High-speed Internet Committee – –Henrico: Teaching and Learning Initiative – –Powhatan: Survey re access

Local Initiatives Initiatives not based on locality: – –Homelessness and Employment Taskforce – –Community College Workforce Alliance – –Resource, Capital Region Workforce Investment Board – –Gates Foundation Initiative What did we miss?

The Problem with Existing Data Quantitative data is limited or not useful Disadvantages of the 3 primary data sources: Census data, the National Broadband Map, and user-generated data (Accelerate Virginia) Other cities face the same problem; many collect qualitative data and anecdotal evidence