Sterling Raphael is an entrepreneur, speaker and the founder & CEO of @NFiStudios, focusing on delivering innovative technology to associations and events around the world.

There are various definitions of the term “digital divide.”  As an overview, Bharat Mehra defines it simply as “the troubling gap between those who use computers and the Internet and those who do not.”  Wikipedia defines the digital divide as the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and those with very limited or no access at all. It includes the imbalances in physical access to technology as well as the imbalances in resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen. It is the unequal access by some members of society to information and communication technology, and the unequal acquisition of related skills. The term is closely related to the knowledge divide as the lack of technology causes lack of useful information and knowledge. The digital divide may be classified based on gender, income and race groups — or by locations.

In this post, I am addressing the generational digital divide.  For example, association or company boards largely consist of baby-boomers. If the company culture does not embrace information technology as the hub of our modern world economy, organizations will struggle to adapt and may not survive in the highly competitive market place.

To be clear,  it’s not the tools so much that we’re talking about here, but the digital divide between younger generations who are willing and able to understand and access new technology; and the gap created among the older generation who are somewhat resistant to change and struggle to take that next step.

Many of us have grown up with computers. We accept the ever-accelerating pace of technological change. Text messages and tweets are part of our lives. With digital technology embedded in our lives, the predominant question is ‘what can we do to build the bridge that will help to fill the “digital divide?”

New technology could be anything from Webinars, learning management systems, online communities, social media, etc.   For your “empowerment project” to benefit the previous generation, I suggest the following:

• Start with the “why“. Don’t focus on the “what” or the “how” at first.

Being  clear in approach and method, explain ‘why’ by defining the need, purpose and objective of learning and using digital technology.

• Once the purpose is established,  how do you communicate new technology to Baby Boomers?

You could start by using traditional media including newspaper,  newsletters, onsite events, signage and even e-mail. Yes, e-mail is considered traditional now! Examine what may be truly new and revolutionary about digital technology and what may be a continuation of traditional technology or content in diverse formats.

Now the “what.” Keep it simple!  Communicate one feature/benefit at a time so as not to overwhelm your audience.  Use training wheels. Effective training might include a basic             computer skills class. It is a smart idea to survey your learners  and gauge what they know, what they don’t know and what aspect of technology they want to learn. You might introduce an assessment form to pinpoint the level of technology integration is needed.

• Training and tutorials: So they know the “why and what” –  now continue to reinforce the “how.” Using interactive tutorials designed for older users, can be a great “how” learning experience. Use a wide array of information resources that they can seek out on their own. This will enrich their learning through exploration of topics of interest.

• Get input… don’t underestimate the wisdom of age! Get your baby-boomers involved and have them provide feedback. This will make them feel they are being treated and taught in a positive/valued manner.  Be sure to give our older generation more time to learn and find out what it will take for them to be comfortable using these new tools!

Now briefly, we take a look at the other side of this coin. I recently discovered that the existence of a digital divide is not universally recognized. Compaine (2001) argues it is a perceived gap.  He says, “Technology gaps are relatively transient; hence the digital divide should soon disappear in any case. The knowledge of computers will become less important as they get smarter and easier to use. In the future people will not need high-tech skills to access the Internet and participate in e-commerce or e-democracy. Thus Compaine argues that a digital divide “is not the issue to expend substantial amounts or funds nor political capital” Compaine, Benjamin M. (ed.) (2001), The Digital Divide: Facing a Crisis or Creating a Myth?, Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, ISBN 0262531933

What do you think?  If you believe there is strong evidence of a  ‘digital divide’, (as I do),  what are some ways you would help to bridge the gap?

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