Digital Divide

WHAT IS DIGITAL DIVIDE?

• The term digital divide was first popularized in
1990’s.
• According to Oxford languages dictionary
“Digital divide is the gulf between those who
have ready access to computers and the
Internet, and those who do not”.
 WHAT IS DIGITAL DIVIDE?
• The term “digital divide” doesn't necessarily
mean that someone doesn't have technology; it
could mean that there is simply a difference in
technology.
• These differences can refer to, for example,
high-quality computers, and fast Internet or
telephone services.
 HOW DO WE BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE?
• In our society, we are faced with the hard
question of ‘how do we bridge the digital
divide?’
• A risk/threat which we should address as
persons, communities, nations and the world as
a whole.
 HOW DO WE BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE?

• According to Digital Divide Council “Various

initiatives we need to engage to narrow the
digital gap under the various mentioned
capacities” this include:
 HOW DO WE BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE?
1. INCREASE DIGITAL LITERACY
We have for such a long time had a narrow view
of what digital literacy requires. Basically, most
contributor confuse digital literacy and computer
literacy.
 INCREASE DIGITAL LITERACY
Computer literacy is the ability to use a computing
device, together with its associated hardware and
software components, and the internet.
Digital literacy is the ability to use information and
communication technologies to find, evaluate,
create, and communicate information, requiring
both cognitive and technical skills.
What can we suggest to increase digital literacy?

Aside from lack of computers or technology,

we should have good knowledge, skill attitude and
behaviour toward network devices. And,
possession of both practical hardware and
software skills.
 HOW DO WE BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE?
2. PROVIDE OPERATIONAL MOTIVATION TO
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTION OR ESTABLISHMENT
PROVIDE OPERATIONAL MOTIVATION TO INFORMATION
AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTION OR
ESTABLISHMENT
There are various organizations fighting
hard to narrow the digital divide. Sometimes,
existing Laws and financial barriers prevent such
efforts. Providing encouragement relieves the
burden encountered by such institutions. This
responsibility especially lies with the existing
governments.
 HOW DO WE BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE?
3. DEVELOP RELEVANT AND LOCAL CONTENT IN
ADDITION TELECOMMUNICATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
DEVELOP RELEVANT AND LOCAL CONTENT IN ADDITION
TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE

As individuals and communities, it is easier

to learn and put in place concepts that we relate
with. And how does this make it possible to bridge
the digital divide? The target audience should
directly relate to the benefits they will enjoy from
digital literacy.
DEVELOP RELEVANT AND LOCAL CONTENT IN ADDITION
TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Take the example of a peasant farmer in

some rural environment. How will investing in
various skills associated with digital literacy
influence him? What does he have to gain from
such skills? How are they likely to simplified his
daily activities and boost his status?
 DEVELOP RELEVANT AND LOCAL CONTENT IN ADDITION
TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE
With digital literacy, the countryman can realize
ways to boost his farming. The farmer can easily
discover better ways of tendering crops. These
benefits extend to even finding a good market for the
farm produce, and much more. Furthermore, the
farmer will soon discover how to make calculated risks
through crop insurance. All such benefits are only
workable in a digitally literate society.
 HOW DO WE BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE?
4. PROMOTE INNOVATIONS GEARED TOWARDS
OVERCOMING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
 PROMOTE INNOVATIONS GEARED TOWARDS
OVERCOMING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
We need to replace when necessary the ways
of doing things if we want to fast narrow the digital
cleave. For example, in some developing countries,
you will find every fiber company digging up
separate tunnels to lay their cables. In other similar
countries, internet companies keep digging up the
same tunnel every other time to lay their cables.
 PROMOTE INNOVATIONS GEARED TOWARDS
OVERCOMING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
What if such countries come up with a ‘dig
once’ policy? Constructing single tunnels that can
accommodate any other future investments.
Thus, reducing the cost of increasing the scope of
cyber networks.
It is possible to bridge the global digital divide
if we promote innovative ways of doing business.
ACTIVITY
Answer the Why is the Digital Divide such an important
following issue to understand?
questions:
How do you think should the government
address the digital divide in our country?

How did Digital Divide affect the education in

our country?

Give your own opinion or suggestion on how to

bridge digital divide.

Compose an unique slogan about Digital Divide.