Cyberliteracy How can we develop a new critical literacy for dealing with ICTs in our daily lives? How can we become active participants & citizens – not just passive consumers? Where’s the public interest? Contains elements of both print & spoken word; ‘new media’ incorporates elements of ‘old media’
Elements of ‘cyberspace’ Speed Reach Anonymity Interactivity
Canada & ‘Information Highway’ Policy 1994 – IHAC, CRTC report Climate of deregulation, privatization, competition Technological euphoria Technological convergence
Information Policy Initiatives Behind Closed Doors: IHAC Composition of group industry-led Rallying of public interest groups in response
IHAC Objectives 1.Creating jobs through innovation & investment 2. Reinforcing Canadian sovereignty and cultural identity 3. Ensuring universal access at reasonable cost
IHAC Principles 1.Interconnected & interoperable network of networks 2. Collaborative public & private sector development 3. Competition in facilities, products, services 4. Privacy protection, network security 5. Lifelong learning key design element
IHAC Working Groups Access & social impact Canadian content & culture Competitiveness & job creation Learning & training Research & development Applications & market development
Some dissension… Parrot from Canadian Labour Congress issued minority report – objective to IHAC’s market- driven recommendations Concern re labour standards w/ telework, call centers…
CRTC Report - Competition & Culture on Canada’s Information Highway Public consultation Echoed IHAC’s recommendations
Public Interest Players Coalition for Public Information Telecommunities Canada Alliance for a Connected Canada Electronic Public Space Steering Group Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Access debates How to define? Technical infrastructure Social infrastructure Market forces? New types of literacy…
Latest…2001 Broadband Task Force Recommends deployment of broadband in remote & rural communities…. $$$$$ Should government pay, private industry?? Lukewarm response….and now, in light of 9- 11….