The ability to navigate online spaces has become a necessity for managing daily life. Yet millions of adults, particularly those with low literacy levels, lack the skills or access to meaningfully use technology and find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Led by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), this week is recognized as Digital Inclusion Week. Digital inclusion refers to the efforts made to ensure that all individuals and communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or skill level, have access to information and communication technology that the world has come to rely on. This includes not just access to the internet and devices but also having the digital literacy skills to use them effectively.
Why Is Digital Inclusion Important?
Access to Resources: The internet is a gateway to a wealth of information, services, and opportunities. From job applications to educational resources, internet access is vital for personal and professional growth.
Empowerment: Digital inclusion empowers individuals by giving them a voice in their communities. It allows them to engage in civic activities, access health information, and participate in economic opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.
Bridging Inequalities: Digital inclusion helps bridge the gap between those who have resources and opportunities and those who do not. It plays a critical role in addressing systemic inequalities, enabling marginalized groups to compete more effectively in the job market and society.
What can you do to give students an advantage in our digital world?
- Teach digital literacy: Utilize Learning Upgrade’s Digital Literacy course combined with the ProLiteracy New Readers Press companion workbook to build the necessary skills to participate in daily life.
- Apply to the Mobile Learning Fund: Give more students access to digital tools offered by New Readers Press that will help them improve their reading and digital skills while learning at their level, on their time.
- Advocate for expanded access: In a world where daily tasks are increasingly becoming digitized, every person should have access to affordable broadband service. Use our Advocacy Toolkit for tips on talking to policymakers.
- Give students an edge: Introduce students to our Workforce Digital Skills Development collection so they can gain the technology skills needed to successfully find and keep a job.
By addressing the barriers to technology access and providing the necessary training, we can help individuals gain the skills and confidence they need to navigate our digital world. Doing this takes us a step toward a more inclusive society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.