Impact of the Digital Divide on Computer Use and Internet Access on the Poor in Nigeria

Abstract

We recruited 20 community members in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo state and Yewa Local Government Area, Ogun state in Nigeria to explore experiences and perceptions of Internet access and computer use. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using open-ended questions to collect qualitative data regarding accessibility of information and communication technology. Twenty low-income community members volunteered to participate in the study. The results centered around affordability of computers and Internet access, exposure to information on the Internet, increasing access to the Internet, training on computer use, benefits for job searching, and networking. The results indicated the lack of Internet access, affordability of computers and Internet usage, poverty, lack of computer skills, and poor infrastructures were contributors to the digital divide.

Factors Militating against Effective Teaching and Learning of Computer in Secondary Schools in Enugu State Nigeria

“…This shows that student have to attend computer classes and put in great interest in the learning so that it can be effective. This agrees with [11] that most of the participants acknowledged the benefits on computers and Internet access whereas a few participants expressed no interest in computers or the Internet. Results from a multi-level analysis have shown that higher levels of mastery orientation and self-efficacy and the students' family background were predictors of students' levels of digital competence [17].…”

“…These findings show that for effective teaching and learning of computers in secondary schools, government have some roles to play. This agrees with [11] that the lack of adequate training on using a computer and Internet searching was a foremost issue that was persistent throughout responses to multiple interview questions. Similarly, it agrees with [10] that government should bring more opportunity for computer awareness training, expand existing infrastructures, wireless communication facilities, mobile telecommunication networks, and make computer and Internet use affordable.…”

“…Similarly, it agrees with [10] that government should bring more opportunity for computer awareness training, expand existing infrastructures, wireless communication facilities, mobile telecommunication networks, and make computer and Internet use affordable. It further agrees with [11] that Nigerian government should embrace cultures and policies that will promote access and use of ICT. Government have to provide appropriated curriculum that will suit the learning at that level of education, provide adequate funding, educational policies, qualified teachers and improved power supply.…”

“…[3], noted that inadequate computer in the schools and lack of computer literacy and sponsorship to computers/IT training program are the major challenges encountered in Nigeria. Poor service caused by capacity constraints of the communication network, lack of infrastructure to support technology hardware and software, scarcity of financial resources, and an unreliable electric supply in Nigeria hinders computer usage in Nigeria [9,10,11]. For the case of Enugu State, [12], revealed that non availability and acute shortage of this new technological equipment impede their integration in teaching in the State.…”

Impact of Web 2.0 on Digital Divide in AJ&K Pakistan

“…Open ended questions were asked to collect qualitative data in a study carried out in Oyo state and Yewa about exploring the impact of digital divide on computer usage and internet access.. Their results showed that affordability and lack of internet access are the main reasons behind digital divide [26]. Another research carried out in Australia focused on the existence of digital divide in young generation.…”