Abstract
The purpose of this concept analysis was to examine the concept of the “Digital Divide” in digital policy. The “Digital Divide” is commonly understood to be the gap between those with and without internet access. Using the Walker and Avant method of concept analysis, a transnational approach to the complex challenge of global inequality in digital access emerged. The 8-step method was applied to clarify the meanings of terms used around the “Digital Divide” so that community members could share a common understanding of them within the delineated national context. The project was conducted following a Fulbright United States Faculty Scholar award to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, a developing country. In Sri Lanka there is great interest in expanding technology across the country. International model, borderline, and contrary cases illustrate what is and what is not included in the “Digital Divide” concept. The National AI Strategy for Sri Lanka provided country-specific context. The Strategy recognizes gaps in the country’s technological infrastructure. In the United States, lack of available, accessible, and appropriate digital service is also related to the nation’s technology infrastructure context. The influence of public stakeholders was revealed in the antecedents and consequences “Digital Divide” concept analysis step. Defining empirical referents for operationalizing the concept generated strategies for learning about communication technology infrastructure. The concept analysis resulted in suggested strategies for transnational engagement of stakeholders in digital policy.
Presenters
Janet DavisAssociate Professor, College of Nursing, Purdue University Northwest, Indiana, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
DIGITAL DIVIDE, TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION, CONCEPT ANALYSIS
