Report
The impact of Ontario’s digital divide
27 February 2020
Access to Technology
AlphaPlus works with partners to:
- Shed light on the ways in which digital inequalities affect literacy and basic skills learners.
- Develop strategies and resources to support policy-makers and program staff, learners and volunteers to bridge the divide in pragmatic and systemic ways.
The digital divide reflects inequalities
The disparity of opportunity between those who have abundant digital resources — devices for various purposes, adequate broadband capacity and a network of support — and those who do not reflects social inequalities driven by income, age, education level and race.
The digital divide has an impact on individuals
At work, as citizens and in their daily lives, people without seamless access to digital technology are less able to:
- Curate resources and networks.
- Communicate.
- Access resources, services and opportunities.
- Collaborate.
- Develop and maintain essential networks.
The digital divide has a ripple effect
For example, people who aren’t able to participate in government consultations don’t have their perspectives included in research, which means government initiatives are less inclusive and effective.
Digital exclusion is also civic exclusion
Literacy practitioners know that limited access to technology can create insurmountable barriers for lifelong learners in Ontario.
Learn more about the issue of access to technology and what digital exclusion means.
Digital Opportunities and Barriers for Ontario’s Vulnerable Adults
Other Areas of Work
Blended Learning
A blended learning approach is one that extends the application of adult learning principles to meet the changing needs of 21st-century life.
Improving the Literacy System
Focusing on people rather than systems acknowledges that relationships are a key component of learning outcomes.