INSTITUTE FOR DIGITAL INCLUSION

Universal inclusion in the digital age

Technology changes how we live, communicate, work and organize ourselves. Those who are lucky to acquire and utilize it effectively gain significant advantages. For others, such as people who are economically disadvantaged or live in rural and remote areas, there are barriers to enjoying the benefits of technology.

Canada is falling behind other developed nations when it comes to digital inclusion. According to a Government of Canada report, countries such as the United Kingdom and Denmark take a strategic approach and focus on geographic, demographic and educational aspects of online access. These considerations go to the heart of social equality. For example, urban areas such as Toronto have billions of dollars of digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, many northern Indigenous communities rely on less functional, decades-old technology. This amounts to an issue of social justice as some groups are left behind.

At Concordia, we’re leading a deeper understanding of how rapid increases in digital technology impact our world. Our Institute for Digital Inclusion will help increase levels of engagement across different communities — particularly those left behind by the digital age. With support from donors, Concordia has the ability to help bring Canada to the forefront of digital inclusion.

The power of computer processing doubles roughly every two years. Added to its greater ability, technology has become more intertwined with society. Whether checking a bank statement or paying for a parking space, the growing prevalence of technology makes digital literacy imperative. Entering or re-entering the workforce today with limited digital knowledge is a challenge. The ability to earn a livelihood depends upon digital literacy.

Your support will have an impact by helping us address a vital challenge: How can we help those who are left behind by the digital divide?

A matter of citizen engagement

As services and information — including from the government — are increasingly found online, being left out of the digital picture presents real challenges related to citizenship. A strong community and democracy require an informed, engaged population. The Institute for Digital Inclusion will examine the factors that result in the digital divide. They include:

• Geographic: Remote areas have much slower internet connections and reduced access. Indigenous communities lack the same level of participation as those in urban areas. As public debate migrates online, universal digital inclusion becomes an important social need.
• Demographic: According to the Pew Research Center in the United States, internet usage is highest within the 18-to-29-year-old age demographic. It is lowest in the 65-and-over age category. This is one example of a demographic factor that plays into digital inclusion.
• Economic: Not everyone can afford the latest technology or regular internet access. This prohibitive financial constraint makes access to information and services lopsided across income brackets.

Your support toward a better society

The Institute for Digital Inclusion aims to help make this era a more equitable one. Increased digital literacy not only levels the playing field — it benefits all of society. With your support, we can work to advance a national understanding and action plan to make our country more inclusive. A contribution towards this next-generation initiative will help:

• Identify the key challenges and opportunities towards digital literacy.
• Advance forward-thinking policy proposals for all levels of government.
• Educate students who will become the next generation of advisors, advocates or ambassadors for the cause. Employment in this field is increasing in both public and private sectors. Our graduates will be prepared to lead in these roles.
• Advance community engagement efforts that increase digital literacy in our city and beyond. Volunteer and research opportunities will allow our students to work directly with communities that stand to benefit most from improved technological know-how.