A significant barrier preventing many people from accessing education, employment, and essential services is the digital divide. Bandura, R., & Leal (2022) pointed out that over 90% of jobs require some level of digital literacy, so having reliable internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity. However, millions of people, especially those in rural and low-income areas, still lack access to this necessity. This essay will discuss some effective strategies to reduce the digital divide by improving internet infrastructure and providing comprehensive digital skills training. Also, on how the U.S. should lead international efforts to help communities gain better internet access and digital literacy, allowing them to seize opportunities they could not previously obtain.
Expanding internet infrastructure is essential to decreasing the digital divide. According to RuralRISE (2022), about 25 million Americans do not have broadband internet access, and 19 million of these people live in rural areas. This lack of reliable internet makes it difficult for them to access important services such as healthcare, education, and job opportunities. Without reliable internet, individuals cannot fully participate in resources that could improve their lives. To fix this problem, governments and private companies need to work together to build affordable, high-speed internet networks in neglected areas. In addition, public Wi-Fi programs and community efforts can provide quick internet access to those who need it. As stated by Tech (2022), “Of the 25 million Americans without broadband access, 19 million live in rural areas”.
A way to get reliable internet with the help of governments and private businesses is governments can distribute things such as grants to support fast internet projects, and even partner with private companies to ensure those distributed resources reach the ignored areas as state by Bandura, R., & Leal (2022), “Effective strategies to address digital literacy and skill-building will require public and private investments in digital infrastructure, policy and governance frameworks, and training in the use of digital technologies”. Some private companies can develop new technologies, such as satellites and wireless high-speed internet to reach the remote areas where it usually is difficult to reach. Another way they can contribute is by donating affordable devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets to families who cannot afford them. Other places such as schools, libraries, can give free Wi-Fi hotspots to those who do not have access to reliable connections at home so they can get things done, while also hosting a digital literacy workshop/ class to help the residents not only understand but also be caught up in the latest updates as stated by Bandura, R., & Leal (2022), “UNESCO’s Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) hosts discussion events, provides training programs to educators and schools, and advocates for digital-literacy education policies”.
Digital literacy training is necessary to turn internet access into real opportunities. Bandura, R., & Leal (2022) points out that over 90% of jobs require some level of digital skills, ranging from basic to advanced. Training programs should also teach people how to stay safe online to protect themselves from scams and cyberattacks. Simply having internet access is not enough, people need to know how to use technology effectively and safely to benefit from it. Training programs can empower people to improve their education and find better jobs. Bandura, R., & Leal (2022) argues that “In a world that is increasingly online, accessing technologies and the proper digital skills will be critical for countries’ development, security, and inclusion”.
The reason having fast reliable internet access helps boost the chances of a job is because they can apply to any job easily, submit applications and participate in virtual interviews just from their home alone, so they don’t have to go out and spend so much time applying since with one click, they would have already applied. Having reliable internet also boosts education since people can have access to online education and training programs, with this it can help someone develop the skills needed for a more suitable job for them as stated before by Bandura, R., & Leal (2022) which points out on how over 90% of jobs require some level of digital skills, ranging from basic to advanced. Especially now, some jobs require certifications and those certifications can be obtained through said training programs and improve not only their knowledge but also skills to obtain a better job and close the digital divide.
Closing the digital divide requires a dual approach, expanding internet access and providing digital skills training. While infrastructure lays the foundation, education ensures that individuals can use technology safely and efficiently. By leading international collaborations, the U.S. can help create a more united digital future where that digital literacy opens doors of opportunity rather than closing them.
Bandura, R., & Leal, E. I. M. (2022, July 18). The digital literacy imperative. Center for Strategic and International Studies. https://www.csis.org/analysis/digital-literacy-imperative
Tech, R. (2022, October 4). How the rural-urban divide impacts digital and technology literacy. RuralRISE. https://www.ruralrise.org/digital-technology-literacy/
This research centers on the low-income individuals, as well as those who can't access the luxuries we have today due to the regions they live in. It shows how this problem can be resolved and decrease the division there is in this world. This piece also relates to what I am majoring in since I deal with loved ones that struggle to keep up with the updates this technology offers, and I want to not only help those around me but also those who need it so the can prosper in their day to day lives. This really speaks to me due to the love I have for technology and the joy of helping other gain opportunities for better jobs and better education so no person, young or old, gets left behind.
Carlos Peralez is a student majoring in Cybersecurity who is studying his basics at HCC and plans to transfer to UHD to study for his major.