1.What do you think about the framework outlined in Sieck, et.al.? What do you think are the most important elements in Figure 1, which is located on the second page of the article?
I think the framework outlined in Sieck, et al. is effective in showcasing how digital inclusion affects a variety of aspects in health and social well-being. On Figure 1, the most important elements are Healthcare Systems, Neighborhood and Physical Environment and Food. While it was a hard decision, I chose these because they follow the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, and community.
2.Do you think this is a good framework to describe the impact of the digital divide? Why?
Yes, I believe that the framework is a good way to describe the impact of the digital divide. It allows us to see a visual representation of the various ways the digital divide affects us. For example the health equity, which I have personally have not thought about prior to this class. The framework also does a good job in highlighting systemic barriers, reflecting issues in the lower class and how it makes it worse.
3.Sanders & Scanlon discuss the digital divide in some length. Describing why it is a social justice issue (through page 135). Which of the areas they discussed was the most impactful for you? Were their arguments persuasive and why? Do you think they defined the problem correctly and why or why not?
Through the Sanders & Scanlon reading, Educational Inequity was the most impactful area for me. The Covid 19 pandemic broadcasted how left behind students got if they did not have access to technology or WiFi. Moreover, when Sanders & Scanlon made an argument for the digital divide to be a civil rights issue, I really had to stop and think to myself of just how impactful the inequalities of technology are. As a result, I did find that their argument was persuasive, and I appreciated the examples and claims they provided to help their point. This piece really opened my eyes to the term social justice and just how broad it stretches.
4.Sanders & Scanlon then go on to describe a strategy to advocate for change regarding the digital divide. (p 135 on – including the topic areas outlined). Which of those strategies did you find most promising and why? What suggestions do you think weren’t realistic or possible and why?
Out of the strategies discussed, the one that stood out to me most was the strategy on digital literacy education. With programs implemented in schools and libraries, both accessible community spaces, people will have better access to resources in places they already frequent. In contrast, the least realistic strategy was improving Internet infrastructure without talking about how much it will cost. The need for the infrastructure is not enough to fix the inequality issue without addressing affordable access and devices.
5.Finally, Criag, et. al (2021) take the idea of technology access and discuss it in relationship to a specific client population using a specific tool. What elements of their approach do you think were most effective and why? Can you see any connections between this specific example and the problems or concerns that are raised in the other two examples?
An effective element in Craig et al.’s approach was the affirmative Telehealth practice. By utilizing Telehealth, they were able to reach youth who might typically avoid therapy due to discrimination or lack of resources. This connects to the other articles as it showcases how effective digital inclusion could be. When you combine ethics and accessibility, it evidently bridges the digital divide. This is a prime example of inclusion in action.
I was also shocked by the systemic barriers that still exist today regarding technology and hadn’t fully considered health equity in this context before. It really shows how far-reaching the concept of equity can be across different aspects of life. Although most of my classes were virtual when the pandemic hit, I never thought about how going online affected students who didn’t have access to a computer or reliable internet. They faced the consequences of lacking these resources, which likely impacted their ability to perform well in school. I agree that digital literacy education should be implemented across all ages and generations, not only to teach people how to use certain devices and navigate the internet, but also to help them understand the risks of data privacy and personal information loss. Inclusivity is vital as our world becomes increasingly digital and ensuring everyone has equal access and understanding is essential for true social equity.
Yeah, I agree. COVID-19 changed the way we live and work, making digital technology even more important. Many people had to use computers and the internet for work, school, and health care, but it was with cold turkey! However, not everyone had the same access to these tools and what a huge responsibility for a parent to take on that is trying to keep the water and lights on. COVID-19 definitely highlighted digital inequalities, where certain groups, often those with lower income or in rural areas, faced more challenges during the pandemic. I won’t speak for everyone, but I know that I am scared of another pandemic and how behind that will push us or how we will push forward to keep up with those other societies that do prioritize technology as well as skill knowledge. I do think that COVID clearly helped us prep and cleared the way for, “programs implemented in schools and libraries, both accessible community spaces, people will have better access to resources in places they already frequent. “
I agree with you about how Covid-19 made it quickly very clear who was already being left behind when it came to technology. Some communities found it very easy to make that switch when necessary and others found it almost impossible. When it come to things like education it’s quite bizarre that there are still such disparities across certain groups. I also thought improving the infrastructure seemed like a stretch but only because I believe the people who have the means to do that unfortunately don’t actually care about bridging the divide.
Yes, seeing the visual representation of the framework was definitely helpful and put things into perspective for me. It’s wild how much of our daily life depends on digital access, with everything from healthcare to education and even staying connected with others. Without it, people can easily get left behind. I thought Sieck et al. (2021) made a great point, calling it a “super social determinant of health” because it really does impact so many other areas. It shows how important it is for social workers and policymakers to make sure everyone has equal access and the skills to use technology.