digital inclusion

The increasing digitalization of society has amplified the digital divide, particularly affecting the elderly population. As life expectancy rises globally, integrating older adults into the digital world is essential to promoting social inclusion, reducing isolation, and enhancing personal independence. This article investigates the potential of media literacy as a solution to improve IT skills among elderly individuals. Media literacy encompasses not only the technical ability to use digital tools but also the critical skills necessary to work with and evaluate digital information responsibly. The study examines barriers such as limited prior exposure to technology, cognitive decline, and socio-economic constraints, which hinder older adults’ ability to acquire IT competencies. It also explores successful interventions, including community-driven workshops, adaptive learning programs, and intergenerational training models designed to meet seniors' unique learning needs. Findings suggest that media literacy-based IT training enhances both digital proficiency and social participation among older learners. The article concludes with practical policy recommendations aimed at integrating media literacy into national education programs targeting the elderly. Future research should focus on cross-cultural evaluations of media literacy initiatives and long-term impacts on seniors' quality of life in an increasingly digital world.

This study aimed to explore the digital literacy needs, challenges, and support preferences of adolescents with intellectual disabilities to inform inclusive educational practices and policy interventions. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured focus group interviews with 20 adolescents aged 13–18 years diagnosed with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities in Taiwan. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from both inclusive mainstream schools and special education centers. Data collection was conducted through four focus groups, each comprising five participants. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. Thematic saturation guided the completion of data collection. Trustworthiness was enhanced through triangulated coding, member checking, and maintaining an audit trail. Analysis revealed four overarching themes: (1) access to digital tools and infrastructure, (2) digital skills and usage patterns, (3) social and emotional factors, and (4) support systems and educational strategies. Participants reported limited and unequal access to digital devices, inadequate school resources, and lack of individualized digital instruction. While many adolescents demonstrated basic digital engagement (e.g., opening apps, watching videos), they struggled with more complex tasks such as evaluating online content or engaging in digital communication. Emotional barriers included fear of making mistakes and social comparison with peers. Support from family members and peers emerged as critical, while participants emphasized a need for gamified, visual, and hands-on digital training tailored to their learning styles. Adolescents with intellectual disabilities experience significant barriers to digital inclusion, stemming from infrastructural, cognitive, emotional, and instructional gaps. Addressing these challenges requires context-sensitive, learner-centered interventions and greater collaboration among educators, families, and policymakers to ensure equitable access to digital literacy education.