By Shea Kerkhoff
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However, as is true in any country, simply providing computers is not enough to ensure students develop the necessary digital literacy skills needed to thrive in the global knowledge economy. According to the ILA Literacy Glossary, digital literacy is the ability to consume, create, and distribute digital content in a responsible way. In the 21st century, this includes web 2.0 tools, which allow for people to collaborate using the internet. So, although Lillian’s school now has a few computers, without a recurring sum of money to pay for the internet subscription, her students will continue to be caught on the wrong side of the digital divide.
The digital divide refers to inequality between demographic groups in access to technology and the Internet. Internationally, access is divided across and within countries. According to the 2019 Global Digital Report, there were over 4 billion active Internet users worldwide. North America and North Europe held the highest percentage of 95% and Middle Africa held the lowest percentage of Internet users at 12%
(https://wearesocial.com/global-digital-report-2019).
The digital divide corresponds with socioeconomic status, meaning that the wealthier the country, the more access to technology and the Internet. This makes sense because of the high cost of computers, broadband networks, and Internet subscriptions. And, in some countries like Kenya, the cost of electricity and security are additional burdens schools must bear in order to access technology. .
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Shea Kerkhoff
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Photo credit: Michelle Falter