from digital divide to digital inclusion: technology as an equalizing force-idealware
DESCRIPTION
The problem of the digital divide was first identified in the 1990s, when the majority of low-income households lacked any sort of computer access. Today, the explosive growth of mobile devices and wireless technology has reframed the conversation to one concerned with the quality of access provided, information literacy, and technological parity for young people. We'll examine the ways in which your nonprofit can leverage software and mobile technologies to address these challenges, with a special focus on advocating for digital inclusion for children with disabilities.TRANSCRIPT
From Digital Divide to Digital Inclusion:Technology as an Equalizing Force
#13NTCequal
Elizabeth Pope, IdealwareAndrea Berry, IdealwareSharman Davis Barrett, PACER CenterJonathan Campbell, PACER Center
Introductions
www.idealware.org
Introductions
www.pacer.org
Slide 4
What is The Digital Divide?
The “Digital Divide” refers to the gap between individualsand communities who have access to information technology,
and those that do not.
Source: http://www.ted.com/talks/aleph_molinari_let_s_bridge_the_digital_divide.html
Who is Not Online?
Nearly 5,000,000,000 people worldwide do not have access to a computer or the internet.
Source: http://www.ted.com/talks/aleph_molinari_let_s_bridge_the_digital_divide.html
While the problem of the digital divide is most prevalent in countries outside of Europe and North America, one in five American adults do not use the internet either by choice or by restriction.
Who does the Digital Divide Affect the Most?
StudentsIn today’s education system, a home computer is a necessity for students who wish to stay current with their peers. Lessons, homework, and daily communication are all moving online.
Low Income Individuals
Job postings are moving online quickly. Applicants may have trouble creating a resume and cover letter without access to a computer.
Additionally, employers are increasingly seeking proficiency with software and technology, further widening the digital divide.
Those with DisabilitiesMany have disabilities which limit their ability to view screens, interact with mice and keyboards, or navigate the internet.
How Does the Digital Divide Affect Our Ability to Achieve Our Mission?
The Three Barriers
Cultural
• Some constituents might not believe technology has anything to offer them, and have no family members with regular access to technology
• African American and Hispanic individuals are on average 10% less likely to use the Internet than white Americans
• Individuals over 65 are the least engaged of any age group• Those without a high school education are 50% less likely to
use the Internet than college graduates
Source: http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Digital-differences.aspx
Economic
• Among those who do not use the Internet and email, 10% claim that the cost of a reliable internet connection was the primary deterrent
• As of 2011, only 62% of adults with annual salaries under $30,000 a year were online, compared to 97% of adults with annual salaries greater than $75,000
Source: http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Digital-differences.aspx
Ability
• The visually impaired• Those with motor and
dexterity impairments• Those who cannot access
public computers due to lack of wheelchair accessibility
• Those who are unaware of assistive devices available for computer access
Source: http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/technology-for-library-users-with-disabilities
ACTIVITY: Identifying Barriers
How Can We Foster Digital Inclusion?
Technology:
The Internet’s Global Reach
The Internet is Everywhere!
Technology:
Make Your Website Accessible
Visual Challenges
Language Challenges
WAVE: Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
Technology:
Translation Sites and Apps
Google Translate
Conversational Translation Tools
Jibbigo MyTalkTools
Technology:
Cheaper Computers
Low Cost Hardware Can Help!
The Chrombook starts under $200. No contract, pay-as-as-you-go smartphones are becoming more available.
TechSoup Can Help at the Org Level
Technology:
Mobile Devices and Tablets
iPad and Other Tablets
Strategy:
Youth Engagement
From the ground up…
Strategy:
Offline Communications
Reach People Where They Are…
Mobile Phone Basics, Skokie (IL)Public Library
Strategy:
Training Workshops
Make the Tools Less Scary…
Strategy:
Free Computer Access
Make computers available…
Information Commons, Brooklyn Public Library
Strategy:
Goal Oriented Programs
Show people that the tools are useful…
http://www.e3kids.com/events/skype-party-june-23/
Case Study
How has your organization promoted Digital Inclusion?
Page 44
Case Study:Digital Inclusion Grant
Digital Inclusion Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation• Goals
– Promote technology access and literacy for low-income families who have children with and without disabilities.
– Promote technology access and literacy for immigrants and refugees.
Community Centers
• PACER Center
• Project Pride for Living’s Learning Center
• Waite House
• Hmong International Academy
Page 45
Lessons Learned
Workshops with the largest attendance were tightly goal oriented. Little to no
interest was given to broadly categorized workshops.
Page 46
Examples
• Finding and applying for a job online.
• Looking up your child’s grades online.
• Finding free digital children books.
• Setting up and using email.
Page 47
Lessons Learned
Majority of attendees had access to a computer at home or in a community center but were not comfortable using
them. They often felt that their children were knowledgeable about
the internet but were not good teachers for them.
Page 48
Lessons Learned
Our most effect advertising method was showing up in person to
community events and getting community leaders to spread the word.
Page 49
Technology for Reaching Out
• Accessible Website– Mobile Friendly
• WordPress offers resizable layouts– Translated content (avoid machine
translation)– Accessible design
• www.w3.org/WAI/intro/accessibility.php
Page 50
Technology for Reaching Out
• Accessible Website– Offer audio or video versions of content
• Content is more important than quality• Services
– YouTube – great captioning support– Vimeo– BlogTalkRadio – podcasts with only a phone– Podbean
Page 51
Technology for Reaching Out
• Texting services– Most phones support texting– Must collect numbers
• www.frontlinesms.com• www.textmarks.com• www.clubtexting.com
Page 52
Assistive Technology
• Text-to-speech– Naturalreaders.com
• Magnification– Built in
• Slow Keys– Built in
Page 53
Assistive Technology
• Google Translate– translate.google.com– Entire Documents and websites
• Tech Support Videos– www.teachparentstech.org
Page 54
ACTIVITY: Matching Barriers with Strategies
How will you bring it home?
Evaluate This Session!Each entry is a chance to win an NTEN engraved
iPad!
or Online using #13NTCequal at www.nten.org/ntc/eval