Moving Forward
Further Examination
Despite the tremendous amount of empirical data that has been compiled,
there is still no consensus with regard to how the current technology
diffusion rates should be interpreted. Numerous organizations have conducted
in-depth analyses of how various policy initiatives and socioeconomic
factors affect the accessibility of Internet technologies. These differences
of opinion tend to fall along a number of different ideological boundaries.
Will the invisible hand of the market economy be enough to correct disparities
in the diffusion of Internet technologies? Do the existing differences
in the accessibility of these technologies represent a form of “Digital
Apartheid” or, are they representative of a more benign divide? Whatever the conclusion, the underlying question pertains
to how the Internet is viewed as a medium. Specifically, the question
really pertains to whether the Internet is merely a mechanism for delivering
content and services, or a tool that is capable of inducing unprecedented
individual empowerment.
Lincoln
Hoewing: Analyzing the digital divide real
video
Digital Opportunity Overview
The road to consensus within the digital opportunity discussion is littered with various off ramps and exits. Identifying which applications, policies, and technologies are of the greatest importance is a matter of constant contention. Effective consensus building requires an understanding of all the unique attributes that make up this discussion. Using an access oriented approach allows for the development of a comprehensive view of these unique factors in relation to one another.-
Ernest J. Wilson III (An analysis of the global dimensions of the Digital Divide, and companion paper to Robert Knowling's "Briefing The President" paper)
Physical / Infrastructure
Access: This area of access addresses the importance of an adequate
telecommunications infrastructure and the physical presence of hardware
such as personal computers and modems. This component of the digital opportunity
discussion encompasses a number of issues including Teledensity and broadband
penetration
Congressman
Bob Goodlatte: Broadband and the Digital Divide real
video
Design Access: Physical
access can do little good if potential users cannot take advantage of
the opportunities afforded. Design access addresses the need for tools
and resources that permit all individuals, regardless of their ability,
to have a positive and effective user experience. The Internet has the potential to enable participation by individuals with disabilities in a wide variety of activities.
Content Access: Pertains to the availability
of pertinent and useful content and services for all users within society. Providing
relevant content and services is an integral aspect of overcoming literacy
and language barriers.
Cognitive Access:
Users must be educated with regard to how the Internet and its associated
technologies can be utilized to find information and services that are
of value to them. This form of access underlines the need for effective
training and education initiatives for all users. A disparity in the ability
of users to effectively use information technologies could have major
implications in rural, urban and third world communities.
Lincoln Hoewing: Resons why some are still not
online real
video
Economic Access: Represents the economic
limitations of both individual users and larger communities. These economic
factors can substantially impact the ability of disadvantaged parties
to procure the basic tools and services necessary to develop and utilize
Internet technologies effectively.
Carolyn
Chin: Economics/Content/Education real
video
Institutional and Political Access:
Underlines the various organizations and government agencies that develop
and manipulate policy, and how their actions affect the accessibility
of Internet technologies. These actions include Internet governance, fiscal
policy, subsidization, private sector initiatives and the ability of users
to provide input into policy development processes.
Mark
Lloyd: the Importance of policy real
video
Anthony
Wilhelm: Developing effective policy initiatives real
video
A Platform for
Further Investigation
It is imperative that the examination of this issue move beyond semantics
and political rhetoric. Differences of opinion regarding approaches
to development are to be expected, yet there is an obvious need to build
consensuses around a definition, metric, and benchmark for evaluating
the current status and future progression of an issue with such tremendous
implications. The individual components of this discussion must be outlined
so that there is a clear understanding of what digital opportunity refers
to. This definition must speak to both the nature and function of the
Internet in our global community. This definition can serve as the foundation
for the development of a comprehensive metric based on essential elements
outline in the definition. This metric can than be used to establish
a benchmark which would serve as a platform for further investigation.
It is the belief of the IEF and CED that an open and comprehensive dialogue
on these issues is necessary to develop an effective definition, metric
and benchmark for evaluating the digital opportunity gap.
Event Overview
Event Video
Areas of Consensus
Moving Forward
