Addressing Digital Divide through Digital Literacy Training Programs: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Digital literacy training programs (DLTPs) are influential in developing digital skills to help build a more inclusive and participatory ecosystem. This study presents a review of 86 studies related to DLTPs for marginalised populations in developed and developing countries. It aims to understand (a) the profile of DLTPs, (b) the digital competences incorporated in the training curriculum and (c) tangible outcomes of Internet use post-training. The review indicated that developed countries focus more upon developing digital literacy in elderly populations. In contrast, the focus still lies in developing digital literacy among people with low skills and education levels in developing countries. The training curriculums focus mainly on developing information-seeking and communication competencies, besides the basic operations of digital devices. Most of the studies reported an increase in the personal-level outcomes around health, leisure and self-actualisation achieved post-training. This study can help policymakers, practitioners, and educational researchers improve the scope and quality of educational programs and contribute to people's digital empowerment and well-being.

Enhancing digital literacy in education: educational directions

“…Hence, education should focus more on helping one develop such kind of digital literacy, so as to enhance their competitive edge in contemporary society (Choudhary and Bansal, 2022). Digital literacy training programmes, which are regarded as useful for alleviating digital inequalities (Matli and Ngoepe, 2020), can include elements of online content creation and problem-solving (Choudhary and Bansal, 2022). In youth settings, for instance, students can be taught how to create and illustrate online contents, and deliver them via online platforms (Eshet-Alkali and Amichai-Hamburger, 2004).…”

“…Besides, to foster social inclusion and benefit the marginalised populations, these programmes can be tailored to individuals with different needs (e.g. work and job-finding) and levels of digital literacy (Choudhary and Bansal, 2022). In addition, the cultivation of financial literacy can be included in these programmes to help them further “advance their economic and social empowerment” (Choudhary and Jain, 2023, p. 16).…”

¿Bajo qué condiciones la escuela puede contribuir a la equidad digital y a la construcción de ciudadanía activa? Resultados de una investigación-acción en una escuela española

“…Social exclusions and inequalities shapes participation in the digital sphere. Proof of this are the various studies that correlates access, degree and type of participation of the population in the digital sphere to the socioeconomic characteristics and cultural capital of citizens (Bonal & González, 2021;Cabrera, Pérez, & Santana, 2020;Choudhary & Bansal, 2022;Van Dijk, 2012). Such inequalities have, according to Van Dijk (2005), at least four dimensions: a) inequality in the opportunities to acquire, learn and use digital technologies -motivational access; b) inequality in relation to digital devices and places/spaces of use -material access; c) inequality in training to use devices, programmes and applications -competence access; and d) inequality in how and for what digital technology is useduse access.…”

Digital Poverty in Sabah: Socioeconomic Factors Shaping Digital Accessibility During the Post-Covid-19 Era

“…Within Malaysia, the official criteria for identifying poverty are defined by the Poverty Line, stipulating households with a monthly income falling below RM989.00 and a per capita income of RM253.00 or less (Durand et al, 2023). Concurrently, digital access has evolved into a pivotal gauge of an individual's or household's capacity to connect to the internet, enabling engagement in educational, informational, and social endeavours (Choudhary & Bansal, 2022). The deepening "digital divide" starkly illustrates the widening chasm in internet accessibility, a division further exacerbated by the exclusivity associated with digital technology.…”