Introduction
I was impressed by the different infographics that my peers created. Videos and posters were informative, showing off their flair and creativity! Furthermore, I found out how different factors shaped digital usage.
Digital Differences Evaluation
I enjoyed reading the digital differences that we all have. Before, I believed that specific factors would have more impact on how one uses technology and the Internet. However, I was proven wrong. Individuals can overcome the more ‘challenging’ factors, such as disability.
Chloe’s post provided another perspective towards digital differences. After discussing about MOOCs, I realised it may not be so ‘educational’. I always thought they were resourceful for everyone, as it is accessed globally and free to use. However, many MOOCs have evolved, where users can pay for ‘premium’ content (Shah, 2017). This deprives those who cannot afford it.
Online education can benefit users, especially when uncontrollable factors affect their digital usage. Take a look at this video to understand why.
After reading Hong’s post, I realised that our digital differences were quite similar. Coming from a Computer Science background, both of our digital literacy skills were above adequate. I learnt that digital access has impact on additional factors, such as healthcare and jobs.
Statistics show that digital access for users with disabilities is lower (Ofcom, 2017). Therefore, the NHS aims to invest £1.1 million to support digital inclusion (Gov.uk, 2017). I think this is a necessary approach, to encourage all users to use the Web confidently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe the digital divide will always remain. Being a ‘digital resident’ (White & Cornu, 2017) is not easy, as many factors restrict digital literacy. Some factors we can overcome easily. But for uncontrollable factors, we can only wait and see what happens. The future paves way for digital inclusion, but also digital divide.
Word Count: 306
Comments
Comment on Hong’s Post
Comment on Chloe’s Post
References
Dhawal, S. (2017). MOOCs Started Out Completely Free. Where Are They Now?. EdSurge. [online] Available at: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-04-20-moocs-started-out-completely-free-where-are-they-now [Accessed 2 Mar. 2018].
YouTube. (2012). Daphne Koller: What we’re learning from online education. [online] Available at: https://youtu.be/U6FvJ6jMGHU [Accessed 2 Mar. 2018].
Ofcom. (2017). p.5. Available at: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/98508/access-inclusion-report-2016.pdf [Accessed 2 Mar. 2018].
Gov.uk. (2017). 2. Digital skills and inclusion – giving everyone access to the digital skills they need – GOV.UK. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-digital-strategy/2-digital-skills-and-inclusion-giving-everyone-access-to-the-digital-skills-they-need [Accessed 2 Mar. 2018].
White, David S.; Le Cornu, Alison. Using ‘Visitors and Residents’ to visualise digital practices. First Monday, [S.l.], July 2017. ISSN 13960466. Available at: http://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/7802/6515 [Accessed 2nd Mar 2018]
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