Equal Access to Technology Training (EATT): Improving the computer literacy of people with vision impairments aged over 35

Alternation 25,1 (2018) 214 –244 214Print ISSN 1023-1757; Electronic ISSN: 2519-5476; DOIhttps://doi.org/10.29086/2519-5476/2018/v25n1a10Problems around Accessing Information in Rural Communities

“…Poynton (2004) states that as societies move into 21 st century people's lives are changed and partially relies on the technologies that are widely circulated by computers and Internet ranging from social to economic. In support of the latter Gallagher et al 2005) also maintain that in the job market computer literacy is one of the prime requirement and it also include one in social and economic aspects around the world. In the most organisations computer and Internet plays an important in helping to satisfy its goals and objectives.…”

“…Older people who are computer illiterate contribute a high risk to information poverty. Gallagher et al (2005) conclude the above statement by stating that it must be ensured these groups of people are not overlooked when developing an information society. Older people aged 50 to 60 dominate by larger number in rural areas; therefore it won't make economic sense in terms of development if this group is isolated.…”

“…In today's information and computer-centric society, computer literacy is as important as acquiring normal literacy and numeracy in a formal education system (Gallagher et al 2005). Poynton (2004) states that as societies move into 21 st century people's lives are changed and partially relies on the technologies that are widely circulated by computers and Internet ranging from social to economic.…”

“…Thus as one require writing and reading skills to gain from information accessed through printing press, one also requires computer literacy skills to gain from information accessed through a computer. Gupta (2006) and Gallagher et al (2005) argue that older people who left schools prior to the introduction of computers on the mainstream curriculum or people who have lower level of education in the rural communities are computer illiterate and this illiteracy act as an impediment to access ICT tools such as the internet and electronic communication as well as e-commerce participation on trade and perform transactions online. Older people who are computer illiterate contribute a high risk to information poverty.…”

“…In support of the above interpretation, Gupta (2006) and Gallagher et al (2005) argue that older people who left schools prior to the introduction of computers on the mainstream curriculum or people who have lower level of education in the rural communities are computer illiterate and this illiteracy act as an impediment to access ICT tools.…”