Enrico Ferro|Natalie Helbig|J. Ramón Gil-García
The role of IT literacy in defining digital divide policy needs
Istituto Superiore Mario Boella|University at Albany, State University of New York|Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas
article expands current understanding digital divide examining differences individuals skills acquisition last two decades scholars gradually refined conceptualization digital divide moving dichotomous model mainly based access multidimensional model accounting differences usage levels actors perspectives digital divide views tend focus groups users user characteristics focus less different processes use models digital divide became complex research focused deepening understanding demographic socioeconomic differences adopters nonadopters literacy important factor digital divide research studies examine user characteristics respect literacy studies make process basic literacy acquisition main focal point selwyn 2005 perspective furthers thinking expanding notion user characteristics beyond demographic socioeconomic differences differences processes leading internet use based dataset referring italian region paper presents metaphorical interpretation digital divide general explores process skills acquisition particular analysis shows key role selflearning presence three distinct approaches skills acquisition leading different needs terms policy argue preliminary results useful starting point design effective sophisticated digital inclusion policies