Abstract
The social and digital inclusion, is currently one of the main concerns of developing countries and peripheral economies (as in the case of Mexico), whereas it is mainly characterized by low levels of information literacy of the general population, causing marked differences in digital, social and employment gaps. This chapter analyzes the problems of Mexico regarding the levels of use and access to information through ICT and its position as a country in relation to others. Furthermore, two fundamental questions of national development strategies in relation to information: a) the status of the general population (which indicates that only 43.5% have internet access) and b) the issues of low generation of knowledge and reliance on information consumption abroad. Finally studies the National Development Plan, questioning whether he truly believes inclusive and if alternative proposals have been raised only in the rhetoric of government documents.
TopPurposes Of The Study
Thus when considering the growing importance of information and knowledge in all human activities and the world, this study provides an overview about the prevailing situation in Mexico on the matter, from two general approaches:
- 1.
The situation of the general population (without differentiating specific traits related to academic aspects) through the presentation of indicators of population behavior in relation to the use of ICTs and the global levels of digital gap and social inclusion observed in the country.
- 2.
The role of the universities in the generation of knowledge, in the understanding that the maximum level of reduction of digital gap is to overcome the dependence on the consumption of information resources that belong to other entities, exchanging these practices for the culture of knowledge generation. It would be expected that the in analysis of these kinds of populations, subjects with informational literacy levels sufficient to influence social development and innovation be being studied.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Informational Infrastructure: It is comprised of people, processes, procedures, tools, facilities, and technology, which supports the creation, use, transport, and storage of information.
Information Usage: They are actions that allow draw upon available documents to increase knowledge, make decisions and generate new knowledge.
Knowledge Generation: As a consequence of research, science is communicated in various document formats (scientific articles, books, book chapters, patents, etc.).
Information Literacy: Ability to know, identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information for the issue or problem at hand.
Information Competencies: Ability to determine whether the information is useful and appropriate to achieve interpret and communicate it to others.
Public Policy: It’s a system of courses of action, regulatory measures, laws, and funding priorities concerning a given topic promulgated by a governmental entity or its representatives.
Digital inclusion: Capacity of individuals and groups to access and use information and communication technologies.