Connecting Canadians: Investigations in Community Informatics
Wendy Isobel Young · Canadian Journal of Communication · 2013
Generally, the book documents the CRACIN evaluation of the Canadian community-based programs that were introduced to promote and develop information and communications technologies (ICTs).Collectively, the programs funded by the Canadian government were known as Connecting Canadians.The book is about people and is not about technology per se.It is about how technology has the potential to enrich lives, communities, and our democratic country; and it is about how community networks (CNs) can help Canadians realize that potential.Based on extensive evidence, the editors make the following assertions:• Information and communication technologies are important.• Canada had a serious problem because ICTs were not universally accessed and used.• Poor access and usage may add to existing sources of inequality and social exclusion.• The Canadian government recognized the policy significance of the problem and launched initiatives through community networks to reduce or eliminate barriers to access and use.• The evaluation of these initiatives documented many important lessons relevant to individuals, community organizations, policymakers, and academics.These lessons can be applied to future initiatives to promote the development and use of ICTs.• More action needs to be taken before the potential of ICTs is fully realized.In the opening chapters of Connecting Canadians: Investigations in Community Informatics, we learn of the importance of ICTs to individuals, to communities, and to the Canadian government.ICT usage is an important hallmark of participation in an information society.Individuals engaged with ICTs are provided with opportunities for social interaction and education.Young and old people use ICTs for a variety of reasons: to communicate with family and friends; to get news and information, including medical advice; to play games; to shop and to bank.For communities, the use of ICTs is essential to their economic, social, political, and cultural development.And for the government, ICTs may reduce the cost of providing individuals with access to key services.Although ICTs are critically important, the book reveals that not all Canadians have not been optimally connected or benefiting from ICTs.Previously published quantitative evidence from research conducted by Professor Middleton, Canada