Computer Training to Empower Day Laborers: A Heat Map to Address Emotional Barriers and Technical Skills

Abstract

This paper analyzes the barriers to information and communication technologies (ICT) use among extremelyunderserved minorities such as impoverished immigrants in the USA. In particular, we explore the physical and psychological barriers that prevent Hispanic day laborers in Seattle from making effective use of computers and the Internet. Based on a mixed-methods study that combined structured interviews, focus groups and observations among day laborers members of non-profit Casa Latina in Seattle, WA, we suggest a typology of barriers to ICT. We also suggest the use of a heat map for ICT training that addresses both the physical access and the emotional capacity barriers faced by underserved communities. Addressing emotional barriers as well as technical skills is critical for these extremely underserved populations to make effective use of ICT in ways that effectively meet their information and development needs.

The Influence of Telecentre Components on the Psychological Empowerment of Underserved Community Members in the Western Cape, South Africa

“…crime and drug abuse) which are generally present in their communities (Gomez et al, 2013). Kumar and Best (2006) explain that telecentres have the potential to nurture social cohesion within a community and promote interaction among community members.…”

Sustainability of e-participation through mobile technologies

“…These various skills may be viewed as an essential driver of the usage of ICT's (WEF, 2013) and a weak skills base can hinder a country's capacity to exploit ICT's for development purposes. Gomez et al (2013) researched the barriers to ICT use within marginalized communities. The study found that addressing the lack of technical skills coupled with emotional barriers was critical to ensuring that the communities are enabled to use technologies so as to fulfill their information and development needs (Gomez et al, 2013).…”

“…Gomez et al (2013) researched the barriers to ICT use within marginalized communities. The study found that addressing the lack of technical skills coupled with emotional barriers was critical to ensuring that the communities are enabled to use technologies so as to fulfill their information and development needs (Gomez et al, 2013). Khan et al (2010) indicate that a main challenge of e-government within the developing world context is the low ICT literacy and skills of e-government users (Khan et al, 2010).…”

Enabling Social Sustainability of E-Participation through Mobile Technology

“…These various skills may be viewed as an essential driver of the usage of ICT's (Bilbao-Osorio et al, 2013) and a weak skills base can hinder a country's capacity to exploit ICT4D purposes. Gomez, Abokhodair, Bayo, and Park (2013) researched the barriers to ICT use within marginalized communities. The study found that addressing the lack of technical skills coupled with emotional barriers was critical to ensuring that the communities are enabled to use technologies so as to fulfill their information and development needs (Gomez et al, 2013).…”

“…Gomez, Abokhodair, Bayo, and Park (2013) researched the barriers to ICT use within marginalized communities. The study found that addressing the lack of technical skills coupled with emotional barriers was critical to ensuring that the communities are enabled to use technologies so as to fulfill their information and development needs (Gomez et al, 2013). Khan, Moon, Rhee, and Rho (2010) indicate that a main challenge of e-government within the developing world context is the low ICT literacy and skills of e-government users (Khan et al, 2010).…”