In addressing the digital divide issue, some of the most basic starting points are the technical literacy of individuals; the capacity of community organizations to facilitate the access and fulfil training needs of individuals (and to do so on an ongoing basis); and the value and usefulness of on-line content.

CAPs and CLNs⁶ are constituent components in the broad mix of resources required to accommodate and facilitate the sophisticated progression of ongoing learning and participation in the community. Services delivered by integrated or linked community organizations (as part of a public service model through community-based networks) can be an important resource to help individuals move from basic literacy and technical skills, to more advanced literacy and skills, and the practical application of these. These networks can provide linkages and content/service integration among individuals, education organizations, businesses, NGO’s, governments and other community development services and organizations. These networks also act as gateways or linkages to other distant resources, such as federal or provincial governments, training resources, etc.

Users and Non-Users

At a general level of analysis, there tends to be a certain ambivalence by non-users about the overall benefits of the Internet or other new technologies. While many non-users see such developments as positive, they could not say what the specific benefits are, or will be..

⁶ CAP – Community Access Program site; CLN – Community Learning Networks.