We are looking for 6-10 researchers with a passion for improving digital equality and closing the digital divide across the United Kingdom. As a researcher, you will provide a shorter research brief on one of the topics described below:
The Importance of Digital Skills for Combating Disinformation
Digital skills are increasingly important for fact-checking information, identifying credible sources, and spotting red flags that indicate potential disinformation. Hence, those who lack basic digital skills are more likely to fall prey to disinformation. This research brief explores the correlation between digital skills and the ability to spot disinformation and what interventions may mitigate this growing challenge to democracies.
Digital Inclusion and E-Participation
The notion of "e-participation" emphasises the possibility and desirability of citizen participation in the design of public services and political decision-making. It has been argued that digital tools remove the obstacles to such political participation and also make it easier for politicians to respond directly to citizen needs and concerns. Yet, those who lack digital skills and devices risk being excluded from such participation. This brief will explore this issue further and whether E-participation, in fact, can give marginalised groups a stronger voice in society.
Older Adults and Digital Health
Many health services have moved online - a change that was intensified during the pandemic. Although this has made it easier for some to book appointments, order prescription medicine, and self-manage their health, others, including older people, may lack the adequate digital skills to utilise such online health services, and could suffer from worse health outcomes as a result. This research brief pays particular attention to the older population. That is, as older people are more likely to suffer from the digital divide, how does this affect this demographic’s ability to access health services and what are some of the health outcomes?
Digital Inclusion and Mental Healthcare
Digital tools, including video calls or mobile phone applications (apps), are increasingly used to provide mental healthcare at distance. Yet, there is evidence to suggest that people with mental health problems are more likely to face digital exclusion, in that they do not have access to devices or the digital skills to navigate these digital solutions. This brief will explore such challenges and identify relevant policy recommendations.
Digital Exclusion and Social Isolation
It has been shown that a lack of digital skills and access can have a substantial negative impact on a person’s social life, leading to increased social isolation and loneliness and negative effects on one’s mental health and well-being. Older adults, in particular, have been affected by this. This research brief will explore the link between digital exclusion and increased social isolation.
The Digital Divide Among Disabled Students in Higher Education
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a significant digital divide in higher education, as many students without easy access to computers and high-speed internet have struggled to keep up with online learning, exacerbating existing inequalities. Many universities are now offering more online courses and different forms of hybrid learning and, as a result, those students without sufficient digital literacy and connectivity may miss out on education opportunities. This research brief highlights the need to address the digital divide among disabled learners in UK higher education, and whether digital forms of education can aid the participation of disabled learners.
Experience and Skills Needed
Responsibilities
Benefits
Application Process
· Please send a letter of interest and CV to info@digitalinclusionuk.org, with "Volunteering" in the subject line.
· Specify your preferred research topic in the letter of interest.
· We will be in touch after reviewing the application. If successful, we will schedule a short interview.
Main Duties and Objectives
Selection Procedure
Induction/Training
We provide an introduction to the roles and responsibilities and showcase example reports to the volunteer. The induction may partly be tailored depending on the volunteer’s background, interests, and ambitions.
Ongoing Support/Supervision
Per our "Volunteer Agreement", Digital Inclusion Research Hub ensures the well being of the volunteer through regular contact and provides the necessary information required to successfully carry out duties. The Director and the wider team provide feedback on drafts, and can aid in identifying relevant material for report writing. We respect any other commitments the volunteer might have, which may, on occasion, prevent their ability to deliver reports on time.
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
Swinnow L, Leeds, Yorkshire LS13 4QT, GB
We seek to understand the causes and impact of digital exclusion, and promote digital inclusion through research.
Digital Inclusion Research Hub exists to advance our understanding of the effects of the digital divide on the UK economy, communities, and individuals.
Increasingly, we need digital skills to access public services, manage finances, book medical appointments and order prescriptions, and apply for jobs. Digital skills are no longer optional.
While current society is becoming thoroughly digitalised and the UK is establishing itself as a leader in technology, it remains the case that significant parts of the UK population are digitally excluded.
A lack of digital skills is associated with a range of negative outcomes
1) Fewer job opportunities and limited career progression.
2) Unequal access to healthcare, with a decreased ability to self-manage health.
3) Reduced civic and political participation
This is a Virtual Opportunity with no fixed address.
August 28, 2024
