"Uncovering the Hidden Literacies of ""Have -Nots"": A Study of Computer and Internet Use in a Low -Income Community"
Merkel, Cecelia Bridget
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/81524
Description
Title
"Uncovering the Hidden Literacies of ""Have -Nots"": A Study of Computer and Internet Use in a Low -Income Community"
Author(s)
Merkel, Cecelia Bridget
Issue Date
2002
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Bishop, Ann Peterson
Department of Study
Library and Information Science
Discipline
Library and Information Science
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Information Science
Language
eng
Abstract
"The digital divide is a metaphor used by scholars and policy makers to refer to the problem of a lack of access to technology and the consequences associated with a lack of access for ""have-not"" groups. While typical digital divide studies are useful in identifying the groups that are likely to lack access to technology, this approach does not adequately contextualize the problems faced by marginalized groups such as the poor as they attempt to integrate technology into their lives. The goal of this study was to develop a new framework, a technology-in-use approach, that views members of marginalized groups as active technology users and that recognizes the real barriers that they experience in trying to adopt new literacy practices. This new model was applied to the study of low-income participants taking part in a computer training and distribution program. This study examined the way that the participants used the computer and Internet technology they received through the program, the technical problems that they encountered, and how technology use fit within the context of their daily lives. The value of the technology-in-use approach is that by looking at the experiences of marginalized groups as they attempt to adopt new literacy practices, we will gain a greater understanding about computer use, literacy, and access to technology. This study expands our notions about computer use and literacy for all people by looking at people, places (home computer use), and activities that are traditionally ignored in dominant discourses about literacy."
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
