Digital empowerment in Ecuador through its infocenters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/redc.2019.3.1616Keywords:
Ecuador, empowerment, telecenters, Information PoliciesAbstract
The telecenter network of Ecuador is the backbone of the country's information literacy processes, being an essential point in the development of ICT Policies due to its strong investment and ability to connect the entire territory. For this reason, the current situation of the processes of digital empowerment of the Ecuador's population is analysed through this network. Likewise, the study evaluates its capacity of intermediation in the process of citizen empowerment, especially oriented to specific groups such as women, indigenous minorities and people with functional diversity. The data for the study were obtained from the contribution of the people responsible for the centers. For this, a questionnaire was sent to a sample of 829 telecentres from the country. The response rate obtained was 35.8%. The results show their degree of development, formative capacity, and involvement in favour of empowerment according to different groups. It also allowed detecting real problems in its management and future trends or lines of action. The study concludes the vital importance of these centers for the reduction of the digital divide in the country through evidences of its formative usefulness. Nevertheless, several challenges are posed for its survival, as are the necessary collaboration with local agents and the development of digital empowerment programs for specific groups. This study stands out for its unique and revealing nature, and can serve as support for decision-making by policy-makers, or as an instrument of reflection and analysis for the social agents involved.
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