Steyaert, Jan

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Steyaert, Jan Gould, Nick (2009) Social work
and the changing face of the digital divide
British journal of social work 39(4)
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Why is the digital divide pivotal?

• Technology increasingly structures the interface
  between providers and those who use services.
• Social work traditionally distrusts technology
  both humanists and anti-humanists.
• Technology is not neutral digitally excluded
  users risk less choice and higher costs.

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• The discourse of the digital divide has been
  with us for 15 years.
• What the digital divide means has radically
  changed time for a new definition?
• This presentation considers
• is digital inclusion more than being online?
• what currently are the key dimensions of the
  digital divide?
• what are the implications for social work and
  social care?

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(No Transcript)
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Source Rogers, E. (2003). Diffusion of
innovations (5 ed.). New York Free press, e.g.
p. 281.
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(No Transcript)
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Source Bonfadelli, H. (2002) 'The Internet and
Knowledge Gaps A Theoretical and Empirical
Investigation', European journal of
communication, 7(1), pp. 65-84.
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Source Valentine, G., Marsh, J. and Pattie, C.
(2005) Children and young people's home use of
ict for educational purposes, London, DfeS.
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The ICET model
Source Vermaas, K., Maltha, S., Bongers, F.,
Segers, J., van de Wijngaert, L. (2005).
Breedband en de gebruiker 2004-2005. Utrecht
Dialogic.
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Digital inclusion isnt just about playing Santa
Claus

• Interest in the digital divide is decreasing but
  complexity is increasing.
• It cannot be separated from wider dynamics of
  social exclusion both reinforce one another.
• With information about services increasingly
  delivered digitally there is risk of reinforcing
  the advantages of the already information-rich.

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• Digital inclusion strategy for the UK how does
  it connect to social care?
• Developing hardware and software to support
  access, e.g. Microsofts senior PC.
• Evidence-based approaches to accessing public
  information
• information is general, personal needs are
  specific
• social care systems are complex
• preference for some personal interaction
• support and advocacy

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Steyaert, Jan Gould, Nick (2009) Social work
and the changing face of the digital divide
British journal of social work 39(4)