Question 1: Digital Access and Divide

Question 1: Digital Access and Divide

Q.1.1 The Nine (9) Core Elements of Digital Citizenship

Digital Access - full electronic participation in society

“Digital access is key and critical to bringing these social and economic benefits and should be at the forefront of all business and government decision-making in the context of creating opportunities” (Module Manual, 2016, p.24).

This certain technology is used for quick communication between people in a society (youth) who are in large numbers. However, not all tools of this technology can be at reach by everyone because of social issues such as disabilities as well as physical location. To become productive citizens, we need to be committed to make sure that no one is denied digital access.

Digital Commerce - electronic buying and selling of goods.

The digital commerce is the electronic buying and selling of goods through digital channels; stated in Digiteen Wiki [SA] Digital Commerce, online.

Under digital commerce, goods and products are sold and bought online using electronic processes. Uncommonness of this technology to youth or students and people is because of the fear of internet scams and identity theft. At the same time, an equal amount of goods and services which are in conflict with the laws or morals of some countries are surfacing (which might include activities such as illegal downloading, pornography, and gambling). Youth users need to learn about how to be effective consumers in a new digital economy.

Digital Communication - electronic exchange of information

“It is communication that has been encoded electronically to facilitate the transmission for exchange, allowing it to be strong and processed by computers” (Module Manual, 2016, p.68).

Digital Communication is when people exchange information through electronic devices in the form of cell phones and social networks. This form of communication has created a new social structure governing how, when and with whom people should interact with. Most organisations’ use this technology for business purposes and people who are not exposed to technology find this form of communication difficult to use, because one of the significant changes within the digital revolution is a person’s ability to communicate with other people.

Digital Literacy - process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology

“Digital Literacy is the ability to use and communicate technologies to find, evaluate, create and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills” (Module Manual, 2016, p.41).

Digital Citizenship involves educating people in a new way— these individuals need a high degree of information literacy skills “the process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology”. The importance aspect of technology is to understand how it can be used in an appropriate manner. However, teaching people mostly the youth on how to use technology appropriately is becoming history every day.

Digital Etiquette - electronic standards of conduct or procedure

It is the way we should basic set of the rules pertaining to behaviour that needs to be followed to ensure that internet is better for all users mostly the youth group. Is the use of good manners in online communication such as blog, email and social networking sites.

Technology users often see this area as one of the most pressing problems when dealing with Digital Citizenship. We recognize inappropriate behaviour when we see it, but before people use technology they do not learn digital etiquette (i.e., appropriate conduct). It is not enough to create rules and policy on social network, however, we must teach everyone to become responsible digital citizens in this new society. However, it is not enough to create rules and policy on social network, we must teach everyone to become responsible digital citizens in this new society.

Digital Law - electronic responsibility for actions and deeds

Digital law is “defined as the electronic responsibility for actions deeds which is either ethical or unethical” (Module Manual, 2016, p.103).

It deals with the ethics of technology within a society. Unethical use manifests itself in form of theft or crime. Ethical use manifests itself in the form of enduring by the laws of society. According to Mr. Masilo, 2016 stated that; People need to understand that stealing or causing damage to other people’s work, identity, or property online is a crime. However, there are certain rules of society that youth mostly need to be aware in an ethical society. These laws apply to anyone who works or plays online. Hacking into others information, downloading illegal music, plagiarizing, creating destructive worms, viruses or creating Trojan Horses, sending spam, or stealing anyone’s identify or property is unethical.

Digital Rights & Responsibilities - those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world

“Privileges and freedom extended to all digital technology users, and the behavioural expectation that come with them” (Module Manual, 2016, p.95) and lastly this element is all about freedom and requirements extended to people who use electronic components in the digital world.

Digital citizens have the right to privacy, free speech, etc. Basic digital rights must be addressed, discussed, and understood in the digital world (Mr. Masilo, 2016, slides). With these rights also come responsibilities as well.  Users must help define how the technology is to be used in an appropriate manner. According to Mr. Masilo he stated that; in a digital society these two areas must work together for everyone to be productive.

Digital Health & Wellness - physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world

Digital Health & Wellness refers to "physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world" (Module Manual, 2016, p.140).

Digital Citizenship includes a culture where technology users are taught how to protect themselves through education and training. Eye safety, repetitive stress syndrome, and sound ergonomic practices are issues that need to be addressed in a new technological world. Beyond the physical issues are those of the psychological issues that are becoming more prevalent such as Internet addiction.

Digital Security (self-protection) – electronic precautions to guarantee safety

This refer to “electronic precautions to guarantee safety”, and refers again to ensure ability to use digital information and information systems without interference, disruption, unauthorized access or data collection (Module Manual, 2016, p.121).

In any society, there are individuals who steal, deface, or disrupt other people. It is not enough to trust other members in the community for our own safety. In our own homes, we put locks on our doors and fire alarms in our houses to provide some level of protection. The same must be true for the digital security. We need to have virus protection, backups of data, and surge control of our equipment. As responsible citizens, we must protect our information from outside forces that might cause disruption or harm.

Q.1.2 The implication of all the different forms of the digital divide.

The digital divide - the socioeconomic divide

There is the gap between developed countries and developing countries, the digital divide is also associated with geo-demographic factors – developing vs developed countries. This is relevant in the case of Internet use, where nations vary widely in the number or ratio of the public with access to the Internet (Module Manual, 2017, p.21).

The digital divide - divide in infrastructure

Developed countries have a far greater perception of appropriate and up-to-date infrastructure than that of developing countries. However, due to infrastructure restrictions, attached with socio-economic factors, people in townships and rural areas utilise their mobile phones as a point of access to the Internet. Therefore, this is a costly exercise, resulting in the digital divide deepening.

The digital divide - divide in content

A divide in content, can be as a result of the imbalance in the number of websites in developing countries, amount of local language content as well as the use of online content by key sectors. Websites on the internet are in English although this has changed substantially, and the fact of the matter is that English still govern the web.

The digital divide – a general divide

“According to Ms Mavuso, 2017 stated that a recent study put out by market research firm has found that South African women have slightly less access to internet than men, but access social media more than their male counterparts”. According to women, the reason for this gap is the high cost of the internet and the lack of skills.

The digital divide - a skills divide

When it comes to the adoption of any technology, having the necessary skills to operate a computer, is one of the greatest advantages. There is now great improvement when it comes to accessibility; however, the acquisition of skills is not increasing as much.

When it comes to a person’s skills, it is not only socio-economic factors that should be taken into consideration, but there is likely to be personal factors that play a huge role. People from disadvantaged communities, will be less exposed to digital technology this could be due to their socio-economic issues.

The digital divide - a universal access divide

Physically disabled people, face difficulties when it comes to digital access, as a result of the hardware and software needed and available for them. The costs of the different hardware and software required is ridiculously expensive. This then makes digital access an even greater challenge.

The discussed implication of all the different forms of the digital divide were stated on the Module Manual, 2017, p.21-23 and summarised by Ms Mavuso and the information was accessed on the 19^th July 2107.

Q.1.3 Define and explain how a digital citizen can build and enhance social capital.

Digital Citizenship is a concept of the norms of appropriate, responsible technology use. A digital citizen can strengthen their social capital by engaging and collaborating on social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, they are not only building their social capital, but they are also increasing social skills, communication skills, digital literacy, and their physiological well-being, as you feel connected and have a sense of belonging through interacting with others.

Social capital is a form of economic and cultural capital in which social networks are central, transactions are marked by reciprocity, trust and cooperation, and market agents produce goods and services not mainly for themselves, but for a common good.

Since social capital is mainly about the benefits that are brought about by social networks, which include: trust, co-operation, information, reciprocity (exchange), these benefits then bring value or usefulness to the people who are connected to each other.

Digital citizens can build and improve social capital by promoting and advertising organisations to help get more people to use them and also to get a good image and brand name. They can share and leave comments of the positive things they know and appreciate about the organisations and what they can offer. They can get trust by the organisation and get help from one another when needed.

“As a result of the value we gain from collaborating and interacting online, it is quite obvious that a digital gap will make it a bit challenging for people to leverage their social capital. Thereby, impeding their ability to access data, information and knowledge that may be used to enhance their own feelings of self-worth together with their ability to further themselves socially, economically and professionally” (Ms Mavuso, N, 2017, Class Lessons).


Q.1.4 LinkedIn account - a link of my profile
LinkedIn account