This thesis examines the experiences of women becoming Internet users and readers of online texts. Millions of women in the UK began to access websites and exchange emails for the first time in the late 1990s and beginning of the 215' century. The existence of a gender gap amongst earlier adopters revealed that there must be particular obstacles facing women as new users and readers, which the thesis sets out to investigate using a multi-disciplinary approach and a range of research methods. The data is drawn from three distinct sources. First, sixteen female and six male readers were observed and interviewed while accessing their own choice of websites. This produced data on texts-in-use in conjunction with audiotaped literacy events, taking the method pioneered in schools by the Fact and Fiction Project, in its study of gender and literacy, in a new direction. Secondly, data on adult women learning to use the Internet was gathered in the form of a reflexive account of teaching beginners' classes between 2000 and 2002 at an inner-London public access location. Thirdly, women's reactions to one specific online text, an emailed petition about women in Afghanistan, were explored through an analysis of emails and comments made in interviews. The analysis situates reading online as a socially constructed literacy practice while stressing the distinctiveness of individual literacy events. It is argued that some events have particular significance, impeding or assisting the process of developing a repertoire of new literacy practices. The obstacles women face are identified as linked to the dominance of particular online texts, gendered power relations in the home and workplace, and previous educational experiences. Opportunities to create as well as read, and feeling sufficiently in control of work, access and technology, are identified as key factors in becoming a confident online reader

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2006. Graduate Programme in Communication and Culture. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-136). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR19704

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Australian National University, 2003.

Thesis (M.A.)--Central Connecticut State University, 2000. / Thesis advisor: Bradley Waite. " ... in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in [Psychology]." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 34-37).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Apr. 8, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 128-150). Also issued in print.

Thesis (M.Dev) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / Internet services can make a significant contribution towards the development of people both in the urban and rural areas. The study is focused on the demand for internet services in the community of Nkowankowa in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) in Limpopo province. Internet services bring multiple opportunities such as information, e-mails, games, shopping, banking, and real time news. The study examined the nature of demand for internet infrastructure and services in the area. The study further explored strategies that may be cost-effective and affordable to internet users and to recommend strategies through which the municipality can improve internet service delivery. The use of internet services was also examined (i.e., what are internet services needed for)? To understand these challenges and obtain in-depth information, both qualitative and quantitative research approach were used. The study population consisted of business owners (SMMEs), schoolmaster, students, and management in the municipal management committee, internet café owners, computer home users, police management and health management in Nkowakowa community in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, selected through a purposive sampling method. These management workers are main role players in the use of internet services. A small sample of 40 respondents was selected based on the potential or likelihood that the respondents had same knowledge and interest in internet services. The researcher has selected the relative small sample because of the limited time frame. The findings reveal that Nkowankowa has a high shortage of internet infrastructure such as telephony. The entire Section C does not have a landline infrastructure and the only possibility is mobile connection, which is expensive. The internet cafés stand at 2 against the population of 30515 (Greater Tzaneen Municipality IDP: 2005-2006:12). The community depends on those two internet cafés. Learned individuals and business have afforded to connect. Others depend on internet services from their institutions, work place, and internet cafes. Challenges of the infrastructure unavailability such as telephony have a negative impact on utilization. It was recommended that the Municipality should partner with NGOs and community based organizations to deliver internet and related services to the community.

Thesis (M.A.) -- Mills College, 2006. / Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Computer Science.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-126). Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisors: Ardashpal S. Sethi and Jelena Mirkovic, Dept. of Computer & Information Sciences, Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008. / Title from title screen (site viewed Apr. 9, 2009). PDF text: v, 140 p. : ill. ; 594 Kb. UMI publication number: AAT 3338898. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.