Scaffolding Technology for Low Literacy Groups: From Mobile Phone to Desktop PC?

Abstract

The capacity to use information technology at levels required for functioning well in society is important for accessing employment and education opportunities, health information, and civic engagement. Low capacity levels are closely associated with low socioeconomic status (SES), as measured by education, literacy levels, and income. In a world in which many employers of low-skill workers, such as Walmart, require an online application, lack of information technology competence is truly a handicap. Nonetheless, an opening exists that may help to address this problem: A growing number of people with low SES already possess and use simple computing devices in the form of cell (i.e., mobile) phones. This article uses an interpretive frames approach to explain why some U.S. adults, primarily indigenous to Appalachian Virginia, with low SES and low computer literacy might be able to learn basic computing skills and knowledge through the use of their cell phones. The study explored these ideas through short questionnaires and interviews with a small group of low SES Appalachian adults as they participated in a few sessions of traditional-style basic computer training. This exploratory work falls into the area of determining interpretive frames used by local populations and is intended to help design larger studies leading to interface design and computer learning strategies and materials for low SES Appalachian groups that are culturally and cognitively sensitive to frame bridging theoretical approaches.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the Town of Blacksburg for the block grant supporting computer training for low-literacy adults and to the Literacy Volunteers of the NRV for their leadership in the computer training program, especially Donna Webster and Anthony Rhea. We thank Virginia Tech Housekeeping Supervisors, who allowed us to explore our ideas as part of their computer program for housekeeping staff. We also express our thanks to Gregory Gates and Kumbie Madondo for assistance with the observational research, the administration of some of the questionnaires, and data analysis.