Lesson Digital Inclusion - Software Engineering - ثالث ثانوي

Lesson 2 Digital Inclusion www.ien.edu.sa What is the Digital Divide? The digital or technological divide is a social problem that refers to the disparity in the amount of information and skills between those with and without access to computers. The availability of high-speed Internet access at an affordable cost and quality is one of the most discussed issues these days. The term digital divide was popularized in the late nineties of the last century, and this gap was supposed to shrink in our time, but things have gotten worse. This problem must be discussed in an international context, as many countries are more prepared than developing countries to benefit from the increasing growth in technology development. Appropriate use and access to technology and communications are vital to improving quality of life. In society, groups vary in their ability to benefit from the available technology. Research and studies have shown that the differences may be due to the presence of low-performance or low-quality computers, the poor quality or high cost of communication networks, or the difficulty of obtaining training or accessing high-quality content via the Internet. Also, having access to technical support is very important. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to become one of the leading countries in digital transformation. A very important step in this process is bridging the digital divide as much as possible. So, legislation and policies like the following are passed to aid the Kingdom's citizens. ⚫ E-Learning: The Saudi government has made significant investments in e-learning initiatives to provide access to quality education for all citizens, regardless of their location. The goal is to use technology to reach students in remote and underserved areas and to provide them with equal access to quality education. • National Broadband Plan: The National Broadband Plan aims to increase broadband access across the country and reduce the digital divide. The plan includes providing subsidies for broadband services, increasing investment in digital infrastructure, and improving broadband access in rural and underserved areas. • Digital Inclusion Programs: There are several digital inclusion programs aimed at providing digital skills training and access to digital devices for marginalized and low-income communities in Saudi Arabia. These programs aim to improve access to digital services and bridge the digital divide. وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 192 2024-1446 Figure 4.1: The digital divide affecting elderly people

Factors Affecting the Digital Divide Many factors contribute to the increase in the digital divide. These difficulties are not limited to a specific country but extend to entire continents, making the digital divide a global issue. The following is a list of common factors affecting the digital divide. Education Studies show that those with a university degree can access the Internet at work ten times more than those with a secondary education. Literacy also plays a major role in facilitating dealing with a computer and accessing the Internet. Access to more resources and information speeds up an individual's learning process. Users Age Most of the elderly are far from technology compared to the younger generations. They also need some training and rehabilitation through family members and using tools that make it easier for them to deal with modern technologies. Geographical Location Households in urban and suburban areas have more than ten times more computers available in their homes than households in rural areas. Telecom companies prefer to build infrastructure in urban areas to serve many customers at a lower cost than in vast rural areas with a limited population. Companies and governments can overcome this issue through alternative solutions such as internet connection power lines and satellite communications. Economic Level Wealthier societies have better chances of adopting new technologies than poorer ones. It is common for richer public areas to offer free internet access, unlike in more impoverished areas where the need is higher. Language Differences Language directly affects the user's experience with the Internet, as it governs the amount and quality of information he can access and the communities he can communicate with. For example, a Google search may give you ten times more specific information in one particular language than when searching in another language. And if your language isn't popular, it's likely that not enough content will be available in this language on the Internet. Special Needs Modern technology may be available to some people. However, the presence of a disability, such as a limb disability, and audio-visual impairments, prevents them from using technology, like interacting with screens or smartphones. • According to research, about 15% of the world's population lives with some disability, and 2% to 4% have difficulty performing their daily activities .independently التعليم Ministry of Education 2024-1446 O 193

What is Digital Inclusion? Digital inclusion ensures equitable access to and use of information and communication technology for social and economic engagement, including education, social services, health, and social and community participation. Digital inclusion includes inexpensive broadband Internet, Internet-enabled devices, digital literacy training, competent technical support, and applications and online content that foster self-sufficiency, participation, and cooperation. They are the solution to the gap created by the digital divide. There are many solutions to the digital divide, but first, to reduce it we must address the issues of weak infrastructure and deal with the repercussions of low levels of education and poverty. The following are some solutions that can help reduce this gap. The Cost of Technology • Reducing the cost of users' devices and the costs of connecting to the Internet and using its services. Providing financing to help low-income people bear the burdens of modern technology and reducing customs tariffs to encourage them to acquire digital tools. Lowering the cost of ancillary services (e.g. solar chargers rather than electricity chargers). Convenience • Develop content and applications in local languages to increase the ability of local people to understand them easily. • Address privacy and data security issues that make users suspicious of evolving technology. • Adjusting workplaces to accommodate people with special needs and developing assistive software. Computers should be available to all persons, regardless of their physical or learning abilities. · Efficiency Training on ICT means and skills. • Focusing on education and updating the curricula periodically. • There is a need to have a certain level of information literacy to use computer technology, which can pose serious challenges for people. These challenges include the exponential increase in information and the ability to find and use information. Infrastructure • Expanding and upgrading the network to increase its capacity. • Develop solutions for rural areas in terms of cost-effectiveness on a large scale. • Develop stable infrastructures to support the digital economy, such as fourth and fifth-generation ••• mobile network operators. mobile netwo Using wireless technology to provide Internet service to those who own computers or devices capable of connecting to the network in public places, cafes, and libraries, as is the case in some pull cities that provide wireless connections. Ministry of Education 194 2024-1446

Advantages of Reducing the Digital Divide . Increasing the percentage of segments of society accessing the automated services the state provides to its citizens, such as government e-services. • Allowing space for the participation of different parts of society in questionnaires and opinion polls related to the services offered by various institutions. Expanding the reach of education to a larger number of community members through the use of various educational resources available on the Internet. • It allows entrepreneurs to market their products, introduce their projects, and create ideas for new projects based on customers' use of technology. Figure 4.2: The importance of reducing the digital divide ليم Accessibility for People with Special Needs Accessibility is the process of designing products, devices, services, or environments so that all people can use them. This concept focuses on enabling or facilitating access for people with disabilities through assistive technology. In the world of technology, accessibility is hardware and software designed to help people overcome their disabilities, just like the equipment and supplies that help people overcome disabilities, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, ramps that facilitate entry to a building, and Braille. The following areas should be accessible to people with special needs. Ministry of Education 2024-1446 195

Hardware Accessibility Providing accessibility accessories, such as large-character keyboards, large mice, and keys that can be activated with a little force, as well as other devices enables users with disabilities to use computers in alternative ways. The following are guidelines for designing accessible input and control devices. • Switches and controls must be within reach, easily accessible, identifiable by touch, and usable with one hand in an easy manner. • The switches and controls in these devices are designed to be touched and recognized without activating them. • Allow alternative control methods using different senses for touchscreen devices, such as voice commands. . Control devices for people with special needs are designed to recognize their status (opening/closing) and their response to commands using different senses other than the sense of sight, such as touch or hearing. Accessibility control devices should connect to computers and smart devices using standard wires and ports available on common devices. Knowledge of accessibility principles and tools are essential for developers and organizations who want to create high-quality websites and web tools in a way that ensures their products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. The following is a list of alternate input devices for people with various disabilities. • Braille computer keyboard: A Braille computer keyboard is a specialized keyboard that allows users with visual impairments to input text and to control their computer. It typically consists of six or eight raised dots representing Braille characters, and the user can enter text by pressing the dots with their fingers. The keyboard is designed to be used with screen reader software that converts the Braille input into text that can be displayed on the screen. • Head-mouse control: A head mouse control, also known as a head-tracking mouse, is a device that allows people with physical disabilities to control the movements of a computer mouse using head movements. It typically consists of a small camera that tracks the user's head movements and translates them into mouse movements on the screen. The camera can be mounted on a headband, a hat, or a pair of glasses, and it is connected to the computer via USB or Bluetooth. • Foot-mouse control: A foot-mouse control, also known as a foot-operated mouse, is a device that allows users with physical disabilities to control the movements of a computer mouse using their feet. It typically consists of a small platform with two pedals that the user operates to control the movement of the mouse cursor on the screen. The foot mouse control is connected to the computer via USB or Bluetooth. • Brain EEG control: Brain EEG control, also known as a brain-computer interface (BCI), is a technology that enables users to control devices or applications using their brain activity. It typically involves measuring the electrical signals generated by the brain, known as electroencephalography (EEG) signals, and translating them into commands that the computer can understand. • Eye tracking control: Eye tracking control, also known as eye gaze control, is a technology that allows users to control devices or applications by tracking their eye movements. It works by using a specialized camera or sensor to track the movements of the user's eyes and then translating those movements into commands that the computer can understand. وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 196 2024-1446

Software Accessibility Modern operating systems such as Windows and macOS provide display adjustment options, which include tools such as the ability to enlarge screen contents and invert colors. These settings help those with vision problems and the ability to enable text-to-speech and describe objects and text on the screen more accurately, as well as the possibility of using voice commands to perform basic tasks. Table 4.3: Accessibility settings in various operating systems Operating System Windows macOS iOS Setting Settings Ease of Access System Preferences → Accessibility Settings General → Accessibility Android Settings Accessibility Web Accessibility The web should be accessible to all people, regardless of their hardware, software, language, location, or abilities, to be accessible to people of different hearing, motor, visual, or cognitive abilities. Therefore, accessibility can overcome the impact of disability on the web because it removes the barriers facing users in the real world. Accordingly, websites and their various applications should be designed to take into account all groups (taking into account inclusiveness in design) and allow them to use the web effectively. What is Web Accessibility? Sites, tools, and technologies are designed to enable people with disabilities to use these sites, and specifically to enable these people to perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the web over the Internet. Web accessibility includes all disabilities that can affect a person's ability to access the web, including: • Speech difficulties • Physical disability • Hearing disability • Vision difficulties • Cognitive difficulties وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 2024-1446 Web Accessibility د. Figure 4.3: Web accessibility 197

COGNITIVE VISION D HEARING Figure 4.4: Types of disabilities MOTOR SPEECH Web access is essential for groups other than those with special needs, such as the elderly with diminished capabilities due to age and those who suffer from permanent disabilities or temporary disabilities due to certain accidents, such as arm fractures and others. Principles of Website Development for Accessibility Web accessibility aims to meet the needs of each visitor to the site to choose a certain level of use, so the following are some conditions to achieve this goal. Clarify Vision through Careful Color Selection and Increased Contrast People with visual impairments may find it difficult to read a text without a high-contrast background, whether it is a plain background or text embedded within an image. Not Relying Only on Colors to Clarify Information Using designs that rely only on color discrimination is not enough for people who cannot distinguish color differences. The correct position of the active light in the traffic light is appropriate to provide the necessary information regarding stopping or moving forward to individuals with color blindness. Therefore, designers should use more than one method to express the meaning intended by design. Browse Using the Keyboard We usually use the mouse to browse the web, but sometimes using the mouse is difficult. Hence, the keyboard provides us with options to navigate the web page to suit users with limited mobility. For navigation using the keyboard, special methods are used in designing links, such as highlighting them in color and defining designs for different cases, such as pressing, scrolling, and others. Provide the Correct Naming of the Fields A descriptive label is provided for all form fields. It is important to note that some users with cognitive disabilities may not be able to understand the meaning of form fields. Variety of Feedback for Errors To enable users to correct their errors quickly as they interact with your website, alert them to errors pulcïll using text, icons, and colors. Designers can use color to provide appropriate feedback to the user. Ministry of Education 198 2024-1446

Providing Several Alternatives for the Media Used The variety of media used, including images, audio, text, and video, provides equal access to information for users with different disabilities. Composite picture texts and audio and text versions make the content more attractive to users with hearing or vision impairments. It is good to provide a text version with audio information, which helps people. People who are deaf or hard of hearing cannot understand the content, and this also applies to search engines and other technologies that are not audiologically available. Write Useful Alt Text for Images and Other Non-Text Content People with low vision often benefit from screen readers to obtain information on web pages audibly, as these tools convert text into speech that enables the person to hear the words on the website. When image alt texts are available, the Auto Reader will describe the image using the alt text rather than just indicating the picture's existence to search engines and other technologies that are not audiologically available. Usability-Focused Design Usability-Focused design incorporates a user-centered design approach, where the user's needs, behaviors, and expectations are central to the design process. This approach involves close collaboration between designers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure that the software meets the needs of its intended audience. The usability-focused design process includes user research, prototyping, testing, and iteration. User research may involve surveys, focus groups, or usability tests to better understand the user's needs, goals, and pain points. Examples of Accessible Applications Various applications have been created with certain standards to be friendly to users with different types of permanent or temporary disabilities, and the following are some examples. AccessNow accessnow AccessNow shares accessibility information about places around the world. You can search for specific businesses like a restaurant, hotel, or store or browse a map to see accessibility features nearby that a person needs. For example, a person using a wheelchair can get a list of restaurants available for wheelchair users in a specific area. If the information is not already on the map, the application allows users to add it and contribute to community service worldwide. RogerVoice rogervoice RogerVoice is designed to help deaf people communicate over the phone. Usually, voice messages are with a person who is deaf on one side. This app allows deaf people to participate in a discussion using voice recognition technology and convert it into written text that a deaf person can read. Envision Al envision The Envision Al application uses the camera to describe what is happening around the person. For example, you can point your phone at your companion sitting in front of you, and the program will notify you that a person is sitting there and will describe things to you. The application can also read documents, recognize handwriting, and scan barcodes, and the program supports 60 languages. You can also have Envision Al recognize photos of your family members, and it will remember them in • .the future التعليم Ministry of Education 2024-1446 199

1 Exercises Read the sentences and tick ✓ True or False. 1. The digital divide is exclusively an economic problem. 2. Geographical restrictions do not contribute to the digital divide. 3. The digital divide affects both illiterate people and people with disabilities. 4. All technological applications have been appropriated to local languages. 5. The rising cost of hardware components contributes to the digital divide. 6. Providing fast Internet access to remote areas helps combat the digital divide. 7. Reducing the digital divide helps create more markets for businesses. 8. Only software accessibility is needed to reduce the digital divide for people with disabilities. 9. There are no standard guidelines for designing accessible websites. 10. Usability-focused design is used only for people with vision disabilities. وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 200 2024-1446 True False

2 Describe what the digital divide is. 3 Illustrate how reducing the cost of technological components helps bridge the digital divide. 4 Classify the main societal advantages of reducing the digital divide. وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 2024-1446 201

5 Explain how hardware products can be modified to be accessible to people with disabilities. 6 Describe three principles of website development for accessibility. وزارة التعليم 202 of Education 2024-1446