Second-Level Digital Divide & Political Internet Use

By -

 

Overcoming the digital divide is not an easy task, because in attempting to overcome one divide, we observe the emergence of a new usage divide (Min, 2010). This is part of the closing comments for the article “From the Digital Divide to the Democratic Divide: Internet Skills, Political Interest, and the Second-Level Digital Divide in Political Internet Use” (Min, 2010). It explores some interesting concepts including the emergence of the second-level digital divide and how that impacts the democratic, and specifically political, usage of information and communication technologies (ICT).

The core of the study within the article aims to prove that the prevalence of the digital divide, a phenomenon characterized by the disparity of accessibility to computer technology based on major sociological factors, potentially alters the differential use of internet for politics, otherwise known as the democratic divide. After resolving access to an information and communication technology, the second-level digital divide focuses on the intensity and manner of usage of the technology and the differences that exist across groups (IGI Global, n.d.). The resulting theory posits that political internet users not only exhibit significant political interest but wield the proficiency and skills to share their individual contributions across the democratic divide, something less prevalent among potential users lacking accessibility and computer skills.

I see the digital divide as something I will have to monitor frequently, not just in terms of the political usage mentioned in Min’s study, but as a significant occurrence within online communities that shape how accessible technology is for specific groups. Additionally, I will examine how to lessen gaps in participation among learners and support their rights to consistent and equitable knowledge. Min (2010) suggests, “One solution to this problem is to build citizens’ digital literacy or capacity” (p. 32). In that regard, I agree that increased training initiatives and building a greater sense of civic awareness as to the importance of digital literacy could help boost diversity and educated discourse among online users and digital communities.

I look forward to learning more about the digital divide and how it affects individual and group interactions within an online platform. The following article is an additional study that I will reference in the future:

https://firstmonday.org/article/view/942/864

 

IGI Global. (n.d.). What is Second-Level Digital Divide. https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/second-level-digital-divide/42199.

Min, S. (2010). From the Digital Divide to the Democratic Divide: Internet Skills, Political Interest, and the Second-Level Digital Divide in Political Internet Use. Journal of Information Technology & Politics, 7:1, 22-35, DOI: 10.1080/19331680903109402

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Instructional Innovation & Competency Based Learning

By -
Image
    More schools and colleges are seeking new and innovative learning models to provide students with greater engagement, flexibility, and control of their learning experience. (Southern Regional Education Board, 2018). This statement embodies much of what I learned this week and ties together how multiple components factor into the modern educational experience for students. Instructional innovation highlights the many ways that technology is currently reshaping how we learn, including mobile learning, social connection, and student-based creation. Competency-based education coupled with adaptive learning allows students to gain knowledge at their own pace while using periodic assessment to gauge competency, while ensuring mastery of concepts before allowing students to move forward within a course. Familiarizing myself with concepts such as this will continue to expand my knowledge and understanding of educational technology, especially as it relates to specific frameworks such
Read more

Predictive Analytics & Emerging Technologies

By -
Image
According to Porter & Balu (2016) predictive modeling estimates individuals’ potential outcomes by testing models that use data on subjects whose determined outcomes are already known. While predictive models and analytic data accompany traditional business and marketing efforts, in recent years, they have become a major component in public education. Using data and models to better align learner performance and outcomes is now a focal point of many educational entities. In this same context, emerging technology almost necessitates the need for data analysis and predictive models. In that regard, technology continues to change and must be utilized in ways to better serve students and learners based on their individual and collective needs. It is necessary for me to stay informed on trends such as predictive analysis and emerging technology, not only as a future instructional technologist, but as someone who values continuing the learning experience myself and expanding my knowl
Read more

ESSA & the Texas Education System

By -
Image
In our week two discussion the focus on assessment we began last week was expanded to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and how it applies to the Texas system of educational standards. The U.S. Department of Education (n.d.) describes ESSA as the following: Passed with bipartisan support and signed by President Obama in December 2015, the ESSA requires states and districts to ensure that all students, including children with disabilities, English learners, and other historically underserved groups, graduate high school ready for college or a career. With the information and resources provided, I was able to put together a working understanding of how ESSA will affect Texas education initiatives and standards currently and moving forward. Researching the TEA (Texas Education Agency) Strategic Plan established in 2017 highlighted the agencies goals in terms of four strategic priorities:         Recruit, support, and retain teachers and principals           Build a foundation
Read more