Chapter 6 Review Questions

Short Answer Questions

1. Describe the key findings of early studies of the digital divide? What key demographic characteristics were associated with internet use in the 1990s?

2. China has an aggressive policy to “digitise” its society. Briefly describe some of the political tensions this policy creates.

3. What are the four central components of the digital divide as proposed by Mossberger, Tolbert, and Stansbury (2003)?

4. Describe the key goals of the US Lifeline project aimed at increasing digital inclusion.

5. What are some of the key benefits provided by present-day cellphones or smartphones to people experiencing homelessness?

6. Define the skills divide and discuss one approach for measuring an individual’s digital skills.

7. What is the purpose of One Laptop per Child (OLPC) and what are some of the criticisms raised against this initiative?

Essay Questions

1. In the Canadian context, it is also relevant to discuss the challenges and struggles against systemic and circumstantial obstacles encountered by Indigenous people. What are the unique challenges of many Indigenous communities? What initiatives exist to increase digital inclusion? What important considerations need to be taken in developing these initiatives?

2. Explain the shortcomings of early initiatives to close the digital divide. What makes more recent perspectives aimed at increasing digital inclusion more promising?