Affiliation:
1. St. John's University, USA
Abstract
This chapter discusses digital equity through the lens of the digital divide. While the digital divide is as old as information communication technology itself (ICT), the COVID-19 health crisis renewed a strident interest in exposing the significant gap that still exists after close to 30 years. The digital divide then is first contextualized within the coronavirus pandemic to illustrate how inequities came further to the forefront of people's agenda. It then moves to discuss the digital divide defining the complex term and offering critical data to illustrate the areas of the world most impacted by this unfortunate reality. Different organizations and groups have made significant moves to narrow the digital gap. These strategies are discussed next. None of these groups will be fully successful if, as will be argued, they are not concerned with digital equity. Finally, the chapter makes some critical observations on future challenges facing ICT vis-à-vis the digital divide.
Reference41 articles.
1. Adekanmbi, G., & Boitshwarelo, B. (2012). Collaboration in Distance Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Trends, Trials and. Cases on Cultural Implications and Considerations in Online Learning, 375.
2. Aisch, G. (2011). Global digital divide. Retrieved May 10, 2021, from http://old.driven-by-data.net/about/global-digital-divide/#/0
3. Alampay, E. (2006). Beyond access to ICTs: Measuring capabilities in the information society. International Journal of Education and Development Using ICT, 2(3).
4. Gaps and Bits: Conceptualizing Measurements for Digital Divide/s
5. BBC News. (2013). Kenya IT Hubs Launched for Primary Schools. Retrieved May 10, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24147333