How (Can) Nonusers Engage with Technology: Bringing in the Digitally Excluded

Abstract:

This paper describes findings from the Penceil Project, which aims to explore the experiences of nonusers and minimal users of ICTs, how nonuse affects their inclusion or exclusion from society, and how they can learn to use ICTs to meet their personal
goals. The paper considers the applicability of the technology adoption model (TAM) to understanding the experiences of this
group of people. By looking at theories of social exclusion and the project research findings, the paper argues that TAM is
limited in the range of social conditions it anticipates and, thus, presumes a facility in formulating aspirations for use
that people excluded from the use of ICTs cannot have. We argue that we need to consider engagement with technology rather
than just adoption. We consider the implications of these findings for designing a revised basic ICT curriculum and describe
the piloting of a new curriculum. We argue that, as ICTs in general—and Internet use in particular—are experienced technologies,
perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use need to be reformulated to recognize limitations on people’s ability to construct
plans for future action since an actor’s world is disclosed through action not given in advance.

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