Cultural influences on information technology skills acquisition: An Australian perspective

This paper advocates the engendering of a learning environment that reduces, potential barriers to IT access and equity rather than seeking to identify individuals who experience inequalities as the cause of the problem. Information technology (IT) holds the promise of enabling unlimited access to information irrespective of a person's social situation. To realize this promise particular considerations must be given to the issues of IT access and equity during the primary and secondary education experience (Bors 1987-56). In addition, strategic planning which has as its aim the reduction of existing social barriers that lead to these inequalities must be addressed at the outset by policy and planning decisions. Therefore, considerations of IT access and equity must address the barriers, as well as the opportunities that IT creates. Some of the existing barriers to participation and access in IT are discussed in this paper. Particular attention is given to issues surrounding the access and equity potential of those groups identified by Australian governments as requiring special attention.