Bridging the Digital Divide in Dunn County, Wisconsin: A Case Study of NPO use of ICT

Authors

  • Elizabeth Bogner AmeriCorps Vista
  • Kevin W. Tharp University of Wisconsin-Stout
  • Mary McManus University of Wisconsin-Stout

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/joci.v10i1.2746

Keywords:

Access, Electronic Literacy, AmeriCorp, VISTA, Wisconsin, Dunn County, NPO, Nonprofit, Digital Divide, ICT

Abstract

Despite years of effort to bridge the digital divide in the U.S., there continues to be a skills gap affecting many not-for-profit organizations.  This paper looks at an assessment of the electronic literacy skills of individuals working or volunteering for NPOs in Dunn County, Wisconsin and remediation efforts to address the skills gap that was identified.  The Assessment conducted by an AmeriCorps* VISTA leader found literacy skills low, especially as related to social media and web publishing among the staff and volunteers of the NPOs in the study.  Remediation efforts were challenging but successful.  Follow-up efforts built local, sustainable capacity.

Author Biographies

Elizabeth Bogner, AmeriCorps Vista

Elizabeth Bogner: AmeriCorps VISTA Leader: Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Juneau, Alaska USA E-mail: liz.bogner@gmail.com

Kevin W. Tharp, University of Wisconsin-Stout

Kevin W. Tharp is Assistant Professor of Information and Communications Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Stou, Menomonie, WI 54751  USA  E-mail: tharpk@uwstout.edu

Mary McManus, University of Wisconsin-Stout

Mary McManus: Assistant Director, Memorial Student Center; supervisor, Ally Initiatives for Civil Rights & Civic Responsibility, UW-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751 USA E-mail: mcmanusm@uwstout.edu

Downloads

Published

2013-11-14

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2014)

Section

Research Articles