Digital Divide Concept
- The concept of the digital divide needs to be broadened to more appropriately
incorporate the importance of the integration of ICT with other skills
and activities in people’s daily lives.
Attention to the Internet has been over-represented in the discussion
of Canada as information society. Internet and computer access and competency
are key constituents of successful participation in technology-based
social and economic activities. However, these are linked to a broader
complexity of important capabilities. Individuals need to be literate
on several levels, including numeracy, prose, interpersonal communications,
and technology, to function and be able to participate in the workplace
and broader society, and to have the flexibility to continually adapt
to change. In short, these skills are key components of social literacy.
Social literacy is the ability to use these skills to understand, function
in, and contribute to society. In this broader view, the digital divide
encompasses the ability of individuals, social organizations, businesses,
and communities to effectively recognize change and opportunities in
an information society, and to respond effectively, thereby participating
in meaningful and successful ways.
Diversity of Means of Access
- With a substantial number of Canadians likely to remain unconnected
for years to come, information and services need to be provided in a
number of formats and means (for example, in person, by telephone, Internet,
mail). The quality of service between these alternatives should be comparable
so that those without Internet access do not become second-class citizens.
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