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NDIA Definitions

Below you will find definitions for terms that are foundational in digital inclusion work. NDIA encourages you to use these definitions in proposals, publications, and websites. Please credit National Digital Inclusion Alliance and feel free to link to NDIA’s definitions as a resource.
Learning the Terms

In the realm of digital equity, it’s common to encounter various terms and phrases used by different organizations, state and local governments, and advocates. While these terms may differ, the underlying goal remains consistent: to ensure that all individuals and communities have equitable access to technology and the internet.

Broadband Adoption

According to the Digital Equity Act, broadband adoption is the process by which an individual obtains daily access to the internet:

  • at a speed, quality, and capacity— (i) that is necessary for the individual to accomplish common tasks; and (ii) such that the access qualifies as an advanced telecommunications capability.
  • with the digital skills that are necessary for the individual to participate online
  • on a (i) personal device; and (ii) secure and convenient network.

Digital Divide

The digital divide is the gap between those who have affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online and those who do not. As technology constantly evolves, the digital divide prevents equal participation and opportunity in all parts of life, disproportionately affecting people of color, Indigenous peoples, households with low incomes, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, and older adults.

Digital Equity

Digital Equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy.  Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.

Also referred to as digital opportunity.

Digital Inclusion

Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).  This includes 5 elements: 1) affordable, robust broadband internet service; 2) internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; 3) access to digital literacy training; 4) quality technical support; and 5) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration. Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology.

Digital Inclusion Ecosystem

A Digital Inclusion Ecosystem is a combination of programs and policies that meet a geographic community’s unique and diverse needs. Coordinating entities work together in an ecosystem to address all aspects of the digital divide, including affordable broadband, devices, and skills.

 

Indicators of a strong Digital Inclusion Ecosystem:

  • Existence of programs and policies addressing all aspects of the digital divide:
    • Affordable and subsidized broadband service options that meet the community’s needs
    • Affordable and subsidized device ownership programs that meet the community’s needs
    • Multilingual digital literacy and digital skill trainings that meet the community’s needs
    • Hardware and software technical support
    • Digital navigation services to guide residents to the above services
  • Collaboration: Entities providing local digital inclusion services, policymakers, advocates, social service providers and community leaders co-create solutions in partnership with the community.

Digital Literacy

NDIA recommends the American Library Association’s definition of Digital Literacy via their Digital Literacy Task Force:

 

Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.

 

A person with digital literacy skills:

  • Possesses the variety of skills – technical and cognitive – required to find, understand, evaluate, create, and communicate digital information in a wide variety of formats;
  • Is able to use diverse technologies appropriately and effectively to retrieve information, interpret results, and judge the quality of that information;
  • Understands the relationship between technology, life-long learning, personal privacy, and stewardship of information;
  • Uses these skills and the appropriate technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, colleagues, family, and on occasion, the general public; and
  • Uses these skills to actively participate in civic society and contribute to a vibrant, informed, and engaged community.

 

Note: Using “Digital Literacy” or “Digital Skills” in Community Work

While the term “digital literacy” is used frequently in trade publications, research and policy, we recommend using terms like “digital skills” or “beginner computer training” while conducting community work. The word “literacy” and the implication of “illiteracy” can be perceived negatively by communities who need digital inclusion most. Using asset-based language reflects opportunity for growth and decolonizes language around education.

Digital Navigators

Digital navigators are trusted guides who assist community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate connectivity, devices, and digital skills.

Digital Redlining

Digital redlining is discrimination by internet service providers in the deployment, maintenance, or upgrade of infrastructure or delivery of services. The denial of services has disparate impacts on people in certain areas of cities or regions, most frequently on the basis of income, race, and ethnicity.