TITLE: THE DIGITAL DIVIDE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE FRESHMEN STUDENTS IN THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES IN KUWAIT Multiple studies, such as (Abdalhameid, 2002; Fraina, 1991; Okebukola & Woda, 1993) have indicated that the Digital Divide still exists in many countries, especially regarding use by men and women. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce (2002) indicated that in some developed countries, such as the United States, the digital divide has or is disappearing. Further, some studies (Cramer, 2007; Ringstaff & Kelley, 2002; Terenzini, Theophildes, & Lorang, 1984; Waxman, Lin, & Michko, 2003) have indicated that the Digital Divide can have an impact on learning outcomes. Although Kuwait is a developed country, little research has been done in Kuwait in order to determine whether the Digital Divide still exists and whether or not any Digital Divide that might exist has an impact on learning outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a Digital Divide between male and female freshmen students in the College of Health Sciences in Kuwait. In addition, the study examined how access to computers and the Internet affect male and female learning outcomes. The target population for this study was all the freshman students currently enrolled in the College of Health Sciences: a convenience sample comprised of 500 freshmen students attending single-sex programs in the College of Health Sciences in Kuwait during the 2008-2009 academic years. Two hundred fifty male and 250 female students volunteered from each single-sex program. The Digital Divide Questionnaire (DDQ) was developed by the researcher for this study, and used to gather the data. In order to address the research questions, Independent Sample t-tests were conducted using an alpha level of .05 for the difference of means between male and female students. Spearman's rho correlation and Chi-Square were used to test for significant relationships between the subscale variables and the independent variables. Findings of research question one indicated that the average time female students had access to computers at the college level was higher than male students (t= -7.216, df = 455.05, p < .05). In addition, the average time female students had access to computers and the Internet at CHS was higher than male students (t= -7.573, df = 441.95, p < .05). Findings of research question two indicated that there was a significant association between the learning outcomes at high school level and gender (Chi- Square= 44.687, df=3, p< .05). Another significant association was found between gender and learning outcomes of GPA at the college level (χ2 =23.2, p < .05). Findings of research question three indicated that a correlation (Spearman's rho = .116, P < 0.05) was found between college GPA and the average score of Internet access in college; this correlation was present for both male and female students. Moderate positive relationships (r = .545, P > 0.05) were found between students' attitudes toward computers, and access to computers and the Internet at the college level.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-10-06T13:02:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-07-16. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-10-06T13:19:30Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000851827.pdf: 3159066 bytes, checksum: af3637b0d51d30e9f70038724359d706 (MD5) / PAEDEX UNESP/AUIP / como metarelato deste momento histórico, resgata elementos do iluminismo Europeu da era industrial e do Fordismo Norte-americano, que combinados com o protagonismo da TI e através de uma série de conotações e mitificações, têm afiançado uma ordem neocapitalista cujo centro são os EUA. Essa ordem, descrita pela Teoria de Centro - Periferia mantém e aumenta o fenômeno de dependência dos países em desenvolvimento por meio de mecanismos econômicos, tecnológicos e também discursivos, que funcionam dentro de uma visão de Poder Suave ou Soft Power. A Exclusão Digital é um destes discursos, que por meio de legitimar a inclusão passiva e acrítica de todos os territórios dentro da estrutura digitalizada, espalha formas de Colonialismo Eletrônico. Esta pesquisa procurou evidência empírica desse processo na construção acadêmica dos discursos sobre Exclusão Digital e, para isso, analisou uma amostra da literatura mais citadas deste campo, na língua inglesa, como representante dos países Centro, e espanhola e portuguesa como representantes das academias da Periferia. Utiliza-se a Análise de Domínio como metodologia, incluindo quatro tipos de estudo: Estudo de Literatura e Fontes, Histórico, Bibliométrico e Crítico Epistemológico. A amostra documentária foi coletada usando Google Acadêmico. Este trabalho está fundamentado na perspectiva da Teoria Crítica, da Desconstrução e Teoria Fundamentada (Grounded Theory) a partir de um olhar sistêmico, ecológico e de complexidade. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram grandes diferenças de produção e citação entre as três comunidades, sendo os EUA geradores de mais de 70% da produção e citação do domínio. A comunidade anglófona tem a sua literatura dominada por grandes corporações na publicação, o que limita o livre acesso a estes documentos. Nas comunidades hispânica e lusófona a maioria do acesso é livre, mas o nível de produção, citação.. / This research aims to study the Digital Divide as part of the discourse from the meta-narratives emerged in the XXI century, which form part of the construction of globalization, supported in information technology (IT) and computer networks. The Information Society as a meta-narrative from this historic moment, rescued elements belonging to the European Enlightenment at the industrial age and the American Fordism, that combined with the role of IT and through a series of connotations and mythifications, bailed the neo-capitalist order whose center is the US. This order, as described by the Center-Periphery Theory, maintains and increases the dependency phenomenon in developing countries, by means of economic, technological and discursive mechanisms that work within a vision of Soft Power. The Digital Divide is one of these discourses, that helps legitimizing the passive and uncritical inclusion of all territories within the digital structure, spreading forms of Electronic Colonialism. This research looked for empirical evidence of this process in the academic construction of narratives about the Digital Divide, by examining a sample of the most cited literature of the field in English, as a representative of the Center countries, and Spanish and Portuguese as representatives of the academies from the Periphery. We used Domain Analysis as methodology, including four types of study: Study of Literature and Sources, Historical, Bibliometric and a Critical & Epistemological study. The document sample was collected using Google Scholar. This work applies the perspective of Critical Theory and Grounded Theory from a systemic, ecological and complexity perspective. The results showed large differences of production and citation between the three communities, with the USA retaining more than 70% of production and citation. The Anglophone community has the publication of its literature dominated by large corporations, which limits free access... / Esta investigación tiene por objetivo estudiar la Brecha Digital como parte del discurso de los metarrelatos surgidos en el siglo XXI, y que forman parte de la construcción del proceso de globalización apoyado en tecnología de la información (TI) y redes informáticas. La Sociedade da Informação como metarrelato de este momento histórico, rescata elementos de la ilustración europea de la era industrial y el fordismo norteamericano, lo que combinado con el papel de las TI y a través de una serie de connotaciones y mitificaciones, ha afianzado un orden neo-capitalista cuyo centro es los EUA. Este orden, descrito por la Teoría de Centro - Periferia, mantiene y aumenta el fenómeno de dependencia en los países en desarrollo, por medio de mecanismos económicos, tecnológicos y discursivos que trabajan dentro de una perspectiva de Poder Suave (Soft Power). La brecha digital es uno de esos discursos, que por medio de legitimar la inclusión pasiva y acrítica de todos los territorios dentro de la estructura digital, difunde formas de colonialismo electrónico. Esta investigación buscó evidencia empírica de este proceso en la construcción académica de narrativas sobre Brecha Digital, y para ello examinó una muestra de la literatura más citada de este campo, en el idioma inglés, como representante de los países centro, y en español y portugués, como representantes de las academias de la Periferia. Se usó el Análisis de Dominio como metodología, incluyendo cuatro tipos de estudio: estudio Literatura y fuentes, Histórico, Bibliométrico y estudio Crítico-Epistemológico. La muestra documental se recogió usando Google Académico. Este trabajo aplica la perspectiva de Teoría Crítica y Teoría Fundamentada (Grounded Theory) a partir de una visión sistémica, ecológica y de complejidad. Los resultados de la investigación mostraron grandes diferencias de producción y citación entre las comunidades, indicando...

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:33:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-11-11Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T21:06:08Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 santiago_drp_dr_rcla.pdf: 597430 bytes, checksum: 2520203602b81bee631b880d23c4c35d (MD5) / Este estudo, de natureza qualitativa, teve o objetivo de investigar a eficácia da estratégia de co-participação de idosos no processo de inclusão digital, com vistas à facilitação do aprendizado para utilização da rede internet, para a obtenção de informações referentes ao lazer, no âmbito virtual. Para o delineamento do estudo, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica e uma pesquisa exploratória, utilizando dois questionários aplicados em momentos distintos, os quais continham questões abertas e fechadas. Os dados foram expressos em forma de tabelas ou gráficos e analisados descritivamente, por meio da Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temático. Os resultados evidenciam a aceitação positiva de todos os idosos perante a utilização de procedimentos lúdicos durante o processo de ensino-aprendizagem acerca da inclusão digital, bem como, da estratégia de co-participação. Esses dados estão relacionados ao fato de os idosos se sentirem à vontade durante as aulas, pois enfrentavam as mesmas dificuldades e tinham uma linguagem semelhante, o que lhes possibilitou aprender o que foi ensinado. Além disso, o acesso à internet promoveu mais autonomia, tanto na realização das atividades que envolvem as novas tecnologias, tais como, televisão, celular, aparelho de som, entre outras, durante o tempo disponível, quanto no convívio social diário. O estudo conclui que a estratégia de co-participação mostrou-se eficaz no processo de inclusão digital de idosos, na qual os mesmos aprenderam utilizar o computador e a internet, constituindo-se em uma opção do contexto do lazer virtual / This qualitative study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the co-participation strategy for elderly in the process of digital inclusion, to facilitating learning for use of the Internet to obtain information relating to leisure in the virtual context. The study was developed through literature review and exploratory research, using two mixed questionnaires applied at different times to an intentional sample consisting of 20 elderly participants in a program of digital inclusion. Data were descriptively analyzed through Thematic Content Analysis Technique. The results show the positive acceptance of all seniors before the the processof teaching and learning about digital inclusion, as well as the strategy of co-participation. These data are related to the fact that elderly feel at ease during lessons, as they faced the same difficulties and had a similar language, which enabled them to learn what was taught. In addition, Internet access has promoted greater autonomy, both in carrying out activities that involve new technologies during the time available, and in daily social life. The study concludes that the strategy of co-participation was effective in the process of digital inclusion of older people

Orientador: Gisele Maria Schwartz / Banca: Afonso Antonio Machado / Banca: Cinthia Lopes da Silva / Banca: Oswaldo Melo Souza Filho / Banca: Sara Quenzer Matthiesen / Resumo: Este estudo, de natureza qualitativa, teve o objetivo de investigar a eficácia da estratégia de co-participação de idosos no processo de inclusão digital, com vistas à facilitação do aprendizado para utilização da rede internet, para a obtenção de informações referentes ao lazer, no âmbito virtual. Para o delineamento do estudo, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica e uma pesquisa exploratória, utilizando dois questionários aplicados em momentos distintos, os quais continham questões abertas e fechadas. Os dados foram expressos em forma de tabelas ou gráficos e analisados descritivamente, por meio da Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temático. Os resultados evidenciam a aceitação positiva de todos os idosos perante a utilização de procedimentos lúdicos durante o processo de ensino-aprendizagem acerca da inclusão digital, bem como, da estratégia de co-participação. Esses dados estão relacionados ao fato de os idosos se sentirem à vontade durante as aulas, pois enfrentavam as mesmas dificuldades e tinham uma linguagem semelhante, o que lhes possibilitou aprender o que foi ensinado. Além disso, o acesso à internet promoveu mais autonomia, tanto na realização das atividades que envolvem as novas tecnologias, tais como, televisão, celular, aparelho de som, entre outras, durante o tempo disponível, quanto no convívio social diário. O estudo conclui que a estratégia de co-participação mostrou-se eficaz no processo de inclusão digital de idosos, na qual os mesmos aprenderam utilizar o computador e a internet, constituindo-se em uma opção do contexto do lazer virtual / Abstract: This qualitative study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the co-participation strategy for elderly in the process of digital inclusion, to facilitating learning for use of the Internet to obtain information relating to leisure in the virtual context. The study was developed through literature review and exploratory research, using two mixed questionnaires applied at different times to an intentional sample consisting of 20 elderly participants in a program of digital inclusion. Data were descriptively analyzed through Thematic Content Analysis Technique. The results show the positive acceptance of all seniors before the the processof teaching and learning about digital inclusion, as well as the strategy of co-participation. These data are related to the fact that elderly feel at ease during lessons, as they faced the same difficulties and had a similar language, which enabled them to learn what was taught. In addition, Internet access has promoted greater autonomy, both in carrying out activities that involve new technologies during the time available, and in daily social life. The study concludes that the strategy of co-participation was effective in the process of digital inclusion of older people / Doutor

Orientador(a): Maria Aparecida Chaves Jardim / Banca: Thaís Joi Martins / Banca: Antônia Celene Miguel / Banca: Renata Medeiros / Banca: Martin Mundo Neto / Resumo: O tema da inclusão digital tem crescido em importância para a inclusão social na medida em que a relação entre tecnologia e sociedade torna-se cada dia mais complexa. Durante o Governo Lula diversos esforços foram reunidos na defesa do uso do software livre tanto no setor público como em diversos programas de inclusão social. Em um estudo sociológico, buscamos apresentar que a agenda do software livre é resultado de uma rede de agentes sociais, políticos, técnicos e educadores. Tenta-se traçar a história dessa mobilização e mostrar como esses agentes sociais mobilizados trouxeram as condições para transformações institucionais que contradizem a tese dita neoliberal. O movimento software livre brasileiro se mostrou, comparado com seus equivalentes internacionais, como de grande eficácia: articulou-se com partidos e políticos tanto em nível local como nacional, mostrando-se influente a ponto de ver atendidas certas demandas; alguns de seus membros obtiveram cargos técnicos e administrativos; e foi possivelmente o grupo mais influente na constituição dos grupos que atualmente identificam-se sob o termo guarda-chuva "cultura digital" / Abstract: The theme of digital inclusion has grown in importance for social inclusion insofar as the relationship between technology and society becomes more complex every day. During the Lula government many efforts were gathered in defense of the use of free software in the public sector as in several social inclusion programs. In a sociological study,seeks to show that the free software agenda is a result of a network of social agents politicians, technicians and educators. Attempts to trace the history of this mobilization and show how these social agents mobilized brought the conditions to institutional changes that contradicts the neoliberal thesis. The Brazilian free software movement showed, compared with their international equivalents, as very effective: was articulated with political parties in both local and national level, being influential about to see met certain demands; some of its members have obtained technical and managerial positions; and was possibly the most influential group in the constitution of the groups that currently identify themselves under the term "digital culture" / Doutor

M.Com. (Business Management) / Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is pervasive in tertiary education, commerce and industry, yet many disadvantaged rural areas and townships lag behind in technological development. For example, in rural schools students have weak ICT background and consequently their progress at tertiary education level and career choices suffer, easpecially in the urban career context. This study sought to identify the urban-rural divide in ICT and determine the causes. Questionnaires were distributed to a purposive sample of 196 students at the University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus. The results show that practical use of computers starts at high school ages between 11 and 15 years. The computer instructions are less pronounced. There have been some ICT development initiatives by government and some other organisations although not well coordinated. The resource needs for uninhibited expansion of ICT include computers, connectivity and skilled educators. Despite the current efforts, rural areas and townships lag behind for various reasons such as; technological under-development, low literacy levels and poverty. Thus students from these disadvantaged communities are constrained in career choices and also struggle to cope at university because of the demand for ICT ability. The pervasiveness of ICT in all walks of life has created a digital divide to the extent that township and rural folk remain marginalised although Internet cafes have played a part in making ICT somewhat accessible. The explosion in mobile telephony and its widespread use even in rural areas have immense potential for ICT growth. However, education and awareness campaigns on the utility of cell phones as a medium for ICT will be essential. A renewed focus on computer education in primary school learners will “catch them young” and revolutionalise the ICT in South Africa. The development in ICT will require further substantial investment in ICT infrastructure and hardware as well as improving the skills of educators. The digital divide need be closed so that marginalised rural areas and townships can also derive the socio-economic benefits that ICT bring. Education will raise the literacy thresholds, which will increase awareness of the potency of ICT. Use of local language and content on the Internet will enhance its cultural relevance and acceptability. ICT is a global phenomenon and South Africa cannot afford to take a back seat.

Magister Artium - MA / Telecentres in Malawi are being established to bridge the digital divide. Though the basic assumption is that once telecentres have been established many will adopt them, they are being used by a relatively small percentage of the population. However, limited systematic research has been done to understand why. The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing the acceptance and use of telecentres and their services in Malawi. Specifically, the study aimed at establishing: the access and usage patterns of telecentres and their services; relevance of telecentre service to the community members; factors affecting the usage of telecentres; and challenges facing telecentres and their users. The study employed Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation Theory which explains how innovations are taken up. This was a quantitative and qualitative case study of one Multipurpose Community Telecentre: Lupaso Telecentre. Questionnaires were given to 130 users who visited the Telecentre during a two-week data collection period in May 2014. Face to face interviews were conducted with three telecentre staff and management committee; and one Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority staff, the implementers of the project. Document and records analysis and observation were used to verify data from the Telecentre users, staff and the management committee; and to formulate some questions for interviews with some key informants. The study reveals that a majority (94.6%) view the Telecentre as an important project; it is improving human skills, increasing the finances and strengthening social capital of the community members and many (85%) users are satisfied with Telecentre service. The negative finding is that only a few people use and benefit from the Telecentre; there is uneven access: users are generally male, young, with low educational and income levels, farmers and Nkhondes; and the ICTs are not the chief attraction. The study finds that convenience and cheaper services; compatibility of services with community’s needs; communication channels, social system, visibility of the benefits of using the Telecentre; and complexity of ICTs influence the use and non-use of the Telecentre. Furthermore, the Telecentre and users are facing several challenges that have a negative impact on telecentre usage. Some of the challenges are: lack of Internet searching skills, frequent blackouts, lack of local content and high costs of services. The study concludes that working on these factors and challenges may help in increasing user base. Hopefully, the results will help those implementing and operating the telecentres on how best to attract more users to the telecentres. The results also add to the body of literature in general

This dissertation focuses on architecture in the information age.Information technology is evolving at an alarming rate, which opens up a vast landscape of possibilities within the architectural realm. These possibilities are discussed and implemented into anarchitectural intervention, with a specific focus on the relationship between the real and the virtual. A digital art pavilion is proposed on the corner of Proes and van der Walt streets in Pretoria CBD, where the Munitoria Complex (Tshwane Municipal Offices) is currently situated. This intervention should act as a catalyst for positive change by narrowing the digital divide that is currently causing social and cultural segregation; providing a tool for upliftment by informing city dwellers. This negates the current "culture of ignorance" by stimulating a culture of knowledge. / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Architecture / unrestricted

abstract: In 2016, the United Nations reported a historical high of 65.6 million globally displaced people. Within the current protectionist and isolationist climate, the U.S is accepting a fewer number of refugees for resettlement than ever before and less governmental funding is being allocated to resettlement organizations, which provide support services for refugee resettlement and integration. Increased migration and the advancement of communication technologies with affordable access to these technologies have produced extensive communication networks and complex relational ties across the globe. While this is certainly true of all migrants, building and maintaining relational ties has added complexity for refugees whose journey to resettlement, economic insecurity, political disenfranchisement, and vulnerability impact the motivating factors for digital engagement. This dissertation seeks to understand to what extent Diminescu’s (2008) concept of the connected migrant addresses the lived experience of resettled refugees in Phoenix, Arizona. The connected migrant through Information Communication Technology (ICT) use maintains transnational and local networks that produce mobility and belonging. Connected migrants are able to produce and maintain socio-technical sociality abroad and in the country of settlement to create and access social capital and resources. Using a grounded theory approach and qualitative methods, this research project explores concepts of mobility, connectivity, and belonging in relation to resettled refugees. The research indicates that age, imagined affordances, digital literacy, language, and time moderate connectivity, belonging, and mobility for resettled refugees. Finally, I offer the concept of transnational contextual relationality to understand refugee communication strategies with the transnational and local network. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Communication Studies 2019

China is moving into an aging society, and the quality of life of the elderly has become a topic of public concern. With the development of ICT technology, China’s digital level is increasing, and there is a digital literacy gap between the young and the elderly, and the intergenerational digital divide is widening. This paper combines the unique Chinese social context with smartphones as a representative digital tool aiming to analyze the dig- ital dilemmas experienced by the elderly living in Dongying, a fourth-tier city in China. Two research questions guide this study in the digital dilemmas of the elderly: 1)the role of smartphones in the lives of older people, and 2)the specific manifestations of digital dilemmas of older people and the influencing factors. The two theories UTAUT model and Cultural reverse form a theoretical framework to enhance our understanding of the digital dilemma.This study employed qualitative methods to collect (semi-structured interviews) and ana- lyze (substantive coding) data. Six elderly people over 65 years old living in Dongying participated in the study as interviewees. The results show that using smartphones is a re- quirement for the elderly from society and their children, therefore most of them no longer have difficulties in acquiring smartphones. However, smartphones still play an entertain- ment role in seniors’ lives, and most seniors only use their smartphones to make video calls with their children and watch short videos. They still lack an understanding of digital technology and are unable to apply it in a meaningful way. Such a dilemma is caused by a combination of technological limitations and psychological factors. They were born in an era when the country was still poor, their families were unable to support them in school, most of them did not graduate from elementary school, and their poor literacy skills would create obstacles for them to use smartphones. In addition, they did not have adequate learning access and had to rely on their children to help them learn smartphones, and their learning was entirely dependent on the cultural reverse ability of their children. In addition, they have resistance to learning smartphones, repeated learning due to memory loss, and a lack of confidence in themselves prevent them from further learning of digital skills.