Why is Digital Inclusion Important for a Connected and Inclusive World

Digital inclusion is crucial for a connected and inclusive world because it bridges the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who don't.

According to a recent study, 3.8 billion people worldwide still lack access to the internet, which is roughly half of the global population.

This digital divide has severe consequences, such as limiting access to essential services, education, and economic opportunities.

For instance, a study found that in the United States, 14% of households with incomes below $25,000 do not have a computer or internet access.

Digital inclusion can help alleviate these issues by providing equal access to digital technologies, skills, and resources.

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Digital inclusion is about making sure everyone has access to the technology and skills they need to participate in the digital world. This includes having access to Information Communication Technology, or ICT.

Having ICT means having devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets, as well as internet access. Digital inclusion is not just about having the tools, but also about having the skills to use them effectively.

The definition of digital inclusion is quite clear: it's about ensuring every individual and community has access to ICT, along with the skills to make use of it.

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Digital inclusion is important because it helps ensure that all members of school communities, including those who might be at a disadvantage, can access key learning experiences. This is crucial for developing digital literacy skills that will serve students well in a global society.

Students can develop skills to maximize their efficiency by drawing on the power of the Internet, but they need assurance that they'll have access to this tool, which isn't always a given. Efforts to improve digital inclusion have been in the works for quite a while now, aiming to address both digital literacy issues and lack of access to ICT tools.

Digital inclusion is meant to address both learning needs of individuals and the problem-solving abilities of communities as a whole. Its implementation should be practical and policy-driven, ensuring better access to hardware, software, digital content, and other resources.

Our reliance on digital tools isn't going to drop off, and this means that educational leaders need to do everything possible to equip K-12 students with the skill sets to contribute in a global society. This includes providing affordable and strong Internet service, Internet-connected devices, and digital literacy training.

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Digital inclusion can help foster economic prosperity by unlocking the potential for sustainable development and equitable growth. This is especially noticeable in towns and cities that boast superior connectivity, becoming magnets for investment and innovation.

Inclusive policies and practices are key to realizing the benefits of digital inclusion, which can enhance educational opportunities, healthcare delivery, and innovation in various sectors. By prioritizing digital access and literacy, communities can catalyze a range of positive outcomes.

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Digital inclusion is more than just connecting people to the internet. Meaningful access is vital for social, economic empowerment, and narrowing digital divides needs to go beyond basic internet connectivity.

To achieve greater digital inclusion, five key pillars are essential: affordability and accessibility of the internet and its infrastructure, connected digital devices that meet users' needs, digital literacy instruction, high-quality technical support, and accessible application design.

The internet provides people with equal opportunities to participate and compete online globally, but it's not just about access – it's also about affordability. In some countries, internet service options are so unaffordable that they don't prove useful for potential users, with individuals paying 10 percent or more of their gross national income for 1.5 GB of mobile broadband data.

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Having a broad knowledge of the digital sector is increasingly important in the job market.

Digital skills are becoming a requirement for many jobs, making it essential for people to develop and improve their digital skills.

Digital inclusion allows all people to develop and improve their digital skills, regardless of their location or abilities.

This can improve their employment opportunities and open up new career paths.

Digital inclusion can be a powerful tool for continuing education and professional development, allowing people to access remote training courses and programs.

These programs can help people improve their skills and knowledge, making them more competitive in the job market.

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Accessible digital content is crucial for digital inclusion.

The internet provides people with equal opportunities to participate and compete online globally. It's a window into the wider world that enables cultural and political exchanges, open dialogue, fun, and exploration!

Meaningful access is vital for social, political, and economic empowerment.

To achieve greater digital inclusion, we need to focus on five pillars: affordability and accessibility of the internet and its infrastructure, connected digital devices that meet users' needs, digital literacy instruction, high-quality technical support, and the design of applications, websites, and online content that take accessibility into account.

Accessible digital content should be designed with clear navigation, adjustable font sizes and color palettes, and compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 should be implemented to guarantee usable digital products with accessible visual design by people with disabilities.

Inclusive user interface (UI) design should feature intuitive interfaces with straightforward navigation, legible web fonts, and high color contrast. Consider options for adjustable text sizes and typefaces, alternative text for images, and keyboard navigation.

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Access to digital services is crucial for digital inclusion, and it starts with having a reliable internet connection. As of 2023, 746 million people still lived without electricity, making it difficult to access internet services.

Community-based initiatives and infrastructure projects can provide communal spaces for affordable and accessible WiFi networks, bridging the gap for those in internet deserts. This is especially important for rural areas where people might lack traditional internet infrastructure.

Only 53.6 percent of world users have internet penetration, and in the least developed countries, the number drops below 20 percent. Even in developed countries like the United States, more than one in five people living in rural areas lack access to broadband coverage.

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According to a 2020 UNESCO report, internet penetration has only reached 53.6 percent of world users. This means that nearly half of the world's population still lacks reliable internet access.

In the least developed countries, the number of people without reliable internet access is even higher, dropping below 20 percent. This is a significant barrier to accessing digital services.

In developed countries like the United States, more than one in five people living in rural areas lack access to broadband coverage. This is a stark reminder that digital exclusion is not limited to developing countries.

Individuals in nineteen countries pay 10 percent or more of their gross national income for 1.5 GB of mobile broadband data. This is a staggering amount, equivalent to two hours of standard definition video streaming on Netflix.

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Access to Education is a fundamental right that digital inclusion can help make a reality. With technology, people can access education from anywhere, regardless of their geographical location or abilities.

Digital inclusion can overcome barriers like distance, lack of resources, or disabilities, allowing students to learn at their own pace and choose courses that suit their needs and interests. This is especially important for those who live in rural areas or have family responsibilities.

Digital inclusion can improve the quality of education by providing access to a wide range of educational resources and materials. This includes online educational content, online games, and activities that can help students stay mentally active.

For older adults, digital inclusion can enhance communication, reduce loneliness, and provide access to online educational content. It can also help them become more familiar with and comfortable using technology.

For people with disabilities, digital inclusion can provide access to online educational resources, improve their independence, and increase their access to the job market. This can be achieved through the use of proctoring tools like SMOWL, which can help improve the accessibility of assessments and certifications.

Digital inclusion in education is crucial for promoting digital inclusion and providing equal opportunities for all. By providing access to education, digital inclusion can help bridge the gap between different communities and promote social mobility.

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Quality technical support is essential for users to effectively access digital services. It enables people to learn skills that can be used to acquire and master digital tools and services.

Having access to highly skilled tech professionals and instructors is crucial for providing quality technical support. They can provide timely and accurate support to users who encounter technical issues.

A dedicated helpline staffed by knowledgeable professionals can be an effective way to provide technical support. IT technicians who regularly visit local schools, libraries, and community centers can also provide support to users in need.

Quality technical support can empower users to solve unique online and offline problems self-sufficiently. This is achieved by providing education on how to solve problems and master digital tools and services.

By providing quality technical support, digital providers can guarantee that people can confidently and successfully use digital tools and services. This promotes education and self-sufficiency in using digital services.

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Designing for Inclusion is crucial because it allows designers to create welcoming digital spaces for diverse audiences. Designers can do this by adopting accessibility, usability, and diversity in their designs from the start of the process.

Designers should create intuitive interfaces with straightforward navigation, legible web fonts, and high color contrast. This can be seen in the BBC website, which features an intuitive layout with clear navigation and high-contrast colors.

Inclusive design principles should be considered from the start to ensure that digital products are accessible and usable by everyone. This includes providing alternative text for images and keyboard navigation options.

Many websites, like Google, Apple, and Amazon, apply recognized accessibility standards such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. These standards guarantee usable digital products with accessible visual design for people with disabilities.

Designers should prioritize digital inclusion because it benefits all users, not just those with disabilities. As William Hudson points out, most changes for accessibility do benefit all users, especially when simplifying layouts and making designs easier to use.

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Google's "Grow with Google" program is a digital literacy initiative that offers free training, tools, and resources to help people develop digital skills.

Google provides courses, certifications, free resources, and more to help people worldwide learn new technology, progress in their careers, and develop their own businesses.

Local and state initiatives are complementing these efforts, aiming to dismantle barriers to digital access and literacy. They include subsidized broadband services, digital literacy workshops, and distribution of devices to underserved communities.

These initiatives are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive digital future, where access to information and digital resources is viewed as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

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The pandemic brought digital inclusion into sharp focus, particularly in the area of telehealth. Thirty-four states expanded telehealth policies, but sixteen of these states had "below-average" broadband-speed coverage.

Stay-at-home orders forced many to access medical care remotely, highlighting the need for reliable internet access. Students without digital access already struggled with navigating the internet, downloading course materials, and using necessary applications.

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The pandemic accelerated the shift to online learning, but students without devices or broadband connections faced significant challenges. Many of these students were already fighting to overcome economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The pandemic underscored the importance of digital inclusion in providing equitable opportunities for all Americans. By driving societal progress and ensuring everyone can fully participate in the digital age, we can build a more inclusive digital future.

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Google's "Grow with Google" program is a digital literacy initiative that offers free training, tools, and resources to help people develop digital skills.

Local and state initiatives are also playing a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by providing subsidized broadband services, digital literacy workshops, and devices to underserved communities.

Digital inclusion is not just about connecting people to the internet, but also about empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed for digital proficiency.

TV white space technology uses unused radio spectrum bands to expand internet coverage, making it a promising solution for digital inclusion.

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Community networks, where individuals share their internet connection with a broader community, are also gaining attention as a grassroots approach to digital inclusion.

Companies like Microsoft and Mawingu Networks are working to extend access through fixed wireless technologies like TV white space, demonstrating the private sector's commitment to digital inclusion.

The goal of digital inclusion initiatives is to ensure that everyone can fully participate in the digital age, recognizing access to information and digital resources as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

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The Future of Digital Inclusion is a world where everyone has equal access to the benefits of technology.

Initiatives that aim for inclusion will be measured by their success in empowering individuals and communities.

Computing may take a more local focus through technological advances like edge computing.

Individuals will use their internet access not only to connect with the digital world but also to improve the lives of their families and neighbors.

The IEEE’s “International Network Generation Roadmap” envisions a platform that is supported by standards, is open, and enables empowerment of the local community.

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