Better Connected: Understanding Connectivity to Facilitate Scaled Adoption
Tracks
Silent Conferencing
| Tuesday, August 27, 2024 |
| 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM |
Overview
Dr Rachel Hay, James Cook University
Speaker
Dr Rachel Hay
Associate Professor
James Cook University
Better Connected: Understanding Connectivity to Facilitate Scaled Adoption
Abstract
The Better-Connected program aims to increase Connectivity Literacy (CL) to build capacity and capability of natural helper and extension networks to navigate and utilise the connectivity landscape that provisions internet access (Get Connected) and troubleshooting (Stay Connected) and supports adoption (Use Connectivity). This presentation reports on a program that delivers a free 8-hour training course that will provide community, Landcare groups, First Nations groups, organisations, and industry with the skills to support and assist RRR people to navigate connectivity and support a strong, connected and thriving Northern Australia.
CL encompasses all of the knowledge needed by a consumer to understand how to get connected and stay connected to equitable, affordable and reliable voice and broadband internet services that meet their needs and budget. It is a precursor to Digital Literacy (understanding how to use different devices, software, and operating systems) it incorporates the knowledge needed to navigate through a choice of telecommunications providers and technologies, understand terminologies, plans and equipment. Connectivity Literacy is poor in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) Australia and does not have any demographic barriers such as age, gender, location, or education level.
A vast amount of academic adoption literature exists that fails to recognise the precursor connectivity issues - whether the consumer has reliable, accessible, and affordable broadband services - as a barrier to adoption. While connectivity infrastructure has considerably improved access over the past 8 years, it has resulted in a confusing landscape of connectivity options. There are also misconceptions about the availability of national broadband services or alternative suppliers.
Better-Connected activities will establish a baseline understanding of communication technology information for natural helper and extension networks in RRR Australia. Natural helpers connect community members to resources and provide practical support without having any formal professional qualifications or training in delivering those resources (Hamby, 2015).
Co-Authors:
William Harrington, PhD Student, James Cook University
Carrie-Ann Wilson, PhD Student, James Cook University
Kristy Sparrow, Founder, Better Internet for Rural Regional and Remote Australia
CL encompasses all of the knowledge needed by a consumer to understand how to get connected and stay connected to equitable, affordable and reliable voice and broadband internet services that meet their needs and budget. It is a precursor to Digital Literacy (understanding how to use different devices, software, and operating systems) it incorporates the knowledge needed to navigate through a choice of telecommunications providers and technologies, understand terminologies, plans and equipment. Connectivity Literacy is poor in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) Australia and does not have any demographic barriers such as age, gender, location, or education level.
A vast amount of academic adoption literature exists that fails to recognise the precursor connectivity issues - whether the consumer has reliable, accessible, and affordable broadband services - as a barrier to adoption. While connectivity infrastructure has considerably improved access over the past 8 years, it has resulted in a confusing landscape of connectivity options. There are also misconceptions about the availability of national broadband services or alternative suppliers.
Better-Connected activities will establish a baseline understanding of communication technology information for natural helper and extension networks in RRR Australia. Natural helpers connect community members to resources and provide practical support without having any formal professional qualifications or training in delivering those resources (Hamby, 2015).
Co-Authors:
William Harrington, PhD Student, James Cook University
Carrie-Ann Wilson, PhD Student, James Cook University
Kristy Sparrow, Founder, Better Internet for Rural Regional and Remote Australia
Biography
A/Prof Rachel Hay is Social Scientist and Lecturer in Marketing for the College of Business, Law and Governance at James Cook University. Her research interests centre on trans-disciplinary approaches to sustained behaviour change in social marketing including connectivity Literature – how to get connected, stay connected and use internet connectivity, resilience, climate adaptation and resilience, agricultural marketing and environmental protection interventions.
