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Slide Notes

Barbados is one of the leading developing countries in the Caribbean. It boasts of an Internet penetration rate of almost 80 % (Internet World Stats, 2015) and has a ratio of more than 1 mobile phone to each of its 290,000 inhabitants (Telecoms Unit of Barbados, 2015).

But with such impressive technological statistics, Walcott et al. (2003) found that the ICT competencies that existed at a tertiary institution in Barbados were below levels which may fuel economic growth as prescribed by the National ICT Strategic Plan.

On a wider scale, the Survey of ICT and Education in the Caribbean Volume I: Regional Trends and Analysis (2009) found that the trends of ICT in Caribbean education revealed computer systems were old, slow Internet available at schools and an inadequate number of available computer systems to meet demand.

So with this background information, how do we seek to redress this problem?

Before we go any further let us consider two relevant concepts.

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Rebalancing Digital Inequality

Published on Nov 21, 2015

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Rebalancing Digital Inequality

Barbados is one of the leading developing countries in the Caribbean. It boasts of an Internet penetration rate of almost 80 % (Internet World Stats, 2015) and has a ratio of more than 1 mobile phone to each of its 290,000 inhabitants (Telecoms Unit of Barbados, 2015).

But with such impressive technological statistics, Walcott et al. (2003) found that the ICT competencies that existed at a tertiary institution in Barbados were below levels which may fuel economic growth as prescribed by the National ICT Strategic Plan.

On a wider scale, the Survey of ICT and Education in the Caribbean Volume I: Regional Trends and Analysis (2009) found that the trends of ICT in Caribbean education revealed computer systems were old, slow Internet available at schools and an inadequate number of available computer systems to meet demand.

So with this background information, how do we seek to redress this problem?

Before we go any further let us consider two relevant concepts.

DIGITAL DIVIDE
DIGITAL INEQUALITY

Hargiatti (2003) provides an explanation for the Digital Divide as “The gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not; or the gap between those who use digital technologies and those who do not i.e the “haves” and the “have-nots”.

Judging from the data provided that is hardly an issue in Barbados where computers and Internet accessibility are concerned.

So let us explore the next concept “Digital Inequality”.

“Digital Inequality” as explained by Hargiatti is a measurement of different dimensions consisting of:
• quality of equipment
• autonomy of use
• social support networks
• experience
• online skill

These measures are more useful within the Barbados context.

OUTDATED SOFTWARE

An inventory check of 100 computers and a survey of 100 students at a higher learning institution revealed the availability of up-to-date computer software, the skill level of students and support system to perform minor upgrades on their personal computing device.

Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 accounted for 80 % of the software found on computer systems.

FUNDING

Although there is educational pricing available for academic institutions, the hardware must be capable of supporting the software.

Funding through Public-Private Partnerships and developmental grants to assist in the upgrade of computer systems. This can address the issue of “quality of equipment” as stated by Hargiatti.
Photo by athrasher

SKILL LEVEL

75% of students had an average or below average skill set.
This was based on being able to perform certain tasks with productivity software and perform Boolean searches on academic databases.

This points to the measure of “skill” that Hargiatti refers to.

ICT Competency

Providing equal and easy access to structured ICT competency programs. These programs can count towards certification or credits at university.

This ensures that every student has a competent level to manage ICT-related tasks needed to function effectively in this Knowledge Age.

BABY BOOMERS

Ten (10) of the respondents were 50 years of age or older. Seven (7) of them indicated have never used a social networking site or were part of any online group with an affiliated interest.

Although the number of respondents in this age cohort was small, it represents a trend globally which identifies “Baby boomers” as being less sophisticated than “Millennials” in online activities.

SOCIAL NETWORKING


One of the distinct advantages of the Internet is that it allows for a range of different perspectives and ideas which can widen the knowledge base of an individual.

Online activities started by organizations to which this generation belong such as Alumni associations, religious groups, retirement groups, etc. can serve as a way to generate interest that encourages “Baby Boomers” to use social support networks.

This exposure will aid in building confidence with manipulating online tools.

DIGITAL inEQUALITY

There will never be perfect equilibrium when attempting to rebalance the digital inequality but some of the solutions provided can be a step towards that goal.