Digital Access Research Articles (Page 10)

ABSTRACT Scholarship examining the difficulties of maintaining stable access to digital technology typically emphasizes individual-level phenomena. In response, we apply a social-ecological lens to the technology maintenance construct to better understand how low-income individuals also interface with network- and institutional-level phenomena. Semi-structured interviews with 34 low-income U.S. Latina/o/x individuals revealed that while participants face barriers at the individual, network, and institutional levels, they also employ multi-level strategies to cope with these challenges. Findings also highlight the fuzzy boundary between digital access, maintenance, and skills. By reframing digital equity through a social-ecological lens, this study theoretically broadens the technology maintenance construct and practically highlights multi-level solutions (e.g., considering household factors and fostering public-private partnerships) that appreciate how individuals must operate as members of their social context.

This community service initiative was designed to improve the digital competence of the PKK (Family Welfare Empowerment) group in Simogirang Village, Prambon Sub-district, Sidoarjo Regency, with a focus on utilizing social media and internet-based tools to optimize the branding of local UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) products. The program adopted an andragogical approach that emphasizes adult learning, integrating methods such as direct instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and guided simulations. Key digital platforms including Instagram, WhatsApp Business, Google Docs, and Google Drive were introduced and practiced during the sessions. A total of 40 participants took part in the training. Evaluation results indicated that 85% of the participants successfully mastered the digital branding techniques, achieving over 85% accuracy in practical exercises. This achievement was evidenced by the creation of functioning business accounts, digital catalogs, and various forms of promotional content tailored to their UMKM products. The implementation of these digital tools led to a noticeable increase in consumer engagement and demand for village products, particularly cassava chips and handmade crafts, signifying a positive impact on local economic activities. To ensure long-term benefits and continuous improvement, a dedicated WhatsApp group was established as a support forum for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and receive guidance post-training. Despite its success, the initiative faced challenges related to unstable internet infrastructure in certain areas of the village, highlighting the need for improved digital access. In conclusion, this initiative not only enhanced the digital literacy of rural women but also contributed to their economic empowerment, aligning with broader efforts to promote smart village development and digital transformation in rural Indonesia.

The advancement of digital technology necessitates the transformation of Islamic Education (Pendidikan Agama Islam, PAI) to cultivate students who not only understand Islamic values but also possess wise and responsible digital competencies. This study aims to describe an instructional innovation in PAI through the integration of digital citizenship values within an adab (Islamic ethics) mentoring program. A literature review method was employed to analyze relevant sources on PAI instructional innovation, the concept of digital citizenship, and adab mentoring practices. The findings indicate that incorporating the nine elements of digital citizenship, namely digital access, digital commerce, digital communication, digital literacy, digital etiquette, digital law, digital rights and responsibilities, digital health and wellness, and digital security into the adab mentoring program enhances both students’ understanding of Islamic values and their religious digital literacy. This innovation has demonstrated a positive impact on shaping students’ character to be courteous, ethical, and responsible in digital environments. The findings underscore the urgency of adaptive PAI instruction in the digital age to prepare a generation of Muslims with integrity, both in physical and virtual spaces.

Learning loss is a major challenge for non-formal education in the post-pandemic era, especially in PKBM serving learners from low socioeconomic backgrounds with limited facilities and minimal family support. This study aims to analyze the decision-making process of the Head of PKBM Qiyya Sentosa in determining effective learning models to overcome learning loss. The research used a qualitative approach with a case study design, involving in-depth interviews, participatory observation, document studies, and FGD. The results show that the Head of PKBM identifies learning loss through achievement and attendance evaluation, then formulates alternative solutions such as blended and project-based learning. Decision-making is carried out in consultation with the team and stakeholders before implementation. The blended project-based learning model has proven to improve student motivation, engagement, and achievement, although challenges remain in digital access and student time constraints. The study concludes the importance of adaptive leadership, data-driven decisions, and community collaboration in developing effective learning models in PKBM. These findings can serve as a reference for other PKBM and policymakers in strategies to address learning loss. ABSTRAKLearning loss menjadi tantangan utama pendidikan non-formal pada masa pascapandemi COVID-19, terutama di PKBM yang melayani peserta didik dari latar belakang sosial ekonomi rendah dengan keterbatasan sarana dan dukungan keluarga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis proses pengambilan keputusan Kepala PKBM Qiyya Sentosa dalam menentukan model pembelajaran yang efektif guna mengatasi learning loss. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain studi kasus, melibatkan wawancara mendalam, observasi partisipatif, studi dokumentasi, dan FGD. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Kepala PKBM melakukan identifikasi learning loss melalui evaluasi capaian belajar dan absensi, kemudian merumuskan solusi alternatif seperti blended learning dan project-based learning. Pengambilan keputusan dilakukan secara musyawarah bersama tim dan stakeholder sebelum implementasi. Implementasi blended project-based learning terbukti meningkatkan motivasi, keterlibatan, dan capaian belajar peserta didik, meskipun masih dihadapkan pada kendala keterbatasan perangkat digital dan waktu luang peserta didik. Simpulan menegaskan pentingnya kepemimpinan adaptif, pengambilan keputusan berbasis data, serta kolaborasi komunitas dalam mengembangkan model pembelajaran efektif di PKBM. Temuan ini dapat menjadi referensi bagi PKBM lain dan pemangku kebijakan dalam strategi penanggulangan learning loss.

The objective of the study is to assess the impact of socioeconomic, regional, demographic, and contextual factors on financial resilience in South Asia. The research utilizes data from the 2021 Global Findex database. For empirical analysis, the sample consists of 8,009 participants from six South Asian countries, excluding Bhutan and Maldives. The study employs a logistic regression model to examine the relationship between these factors and financial resilience. The baseline regression findings reveal that financial resilience is significantly influenced by gender, education, income, digital access, and place of residence. Males demonstrate a higher likelihood of being financially resilient than females, reflecting enduring gender-based disparities in financial inclusion. Education, especially at the tertiary level, emerges as a strong predictor of resilience, while income shows a clear, monotonic relationship—higher income groups are markedly more resilient. Digital access, particularly the combination of mobile and internet connectivity, significantly enhances financial preparedness, whereas single access point yield limited benefits. Urban residents are more financially resilient than their rural counterparts, likely due to better infrastructure and diversified income opportunities. The findings of the study are crucial for policymakers and financial institutions aiming to enhance financial resilience, thereby improving economic stability and promoting mental well-being in a region marked by significant disparities.

This research explores the rising role of mobile applications in omnichannel retail and their influence on consumer behaviours, decision-making, and retail performance. Mobile apps are increasingly becoming the touchpoint that connects physical and digital shopping experiences, offering convenience, personalization, and real-time access. A primary survey among 103 respondents—mainly young adults aged 18–25—revealed strong usage patterns favouring electronics and apparel purchases through apps. Features like digital payments, app-exclusive offers, and product comparisons significantly impact consumer trust and loyalty. Statistical tests (Chi-Square, ANOVA) showed that factors such as age and income did not significantly affect mobile app usage. The study emphasizes the growing universality of mobile commerce and provides strategic insights for retailers to optimize mobile-first omnichannel experiences.

Abstract: The digital era has revolutionized the way organizations communicate, collaborate, and innovate. With the proliferation of remote work, cloud-based platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and natural language processing (NLP), digital communication strategies have become critical to organizational success. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of advanced digital communication strategies, focusing on the comparative effectiveness of synchronous and asynchronous tools, the transformative role of cloud collaboration platforms such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Notion, the integration of AI and chatbots, the importance of digital fluency and etiquette, and the identification of communication gaps through global surveys. The findings reveal that asynchronous communication enhances productivity and work-life balance, while AI-powered tools significantly reduce miscommunication and streamline workflows. However, disparities in digital fluency and access remain, particularly among deskless and frontline workers. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for organizations seeking to optimize their digital communication landscape in an era of rapid technological change.

This study examines whether digitalization effectively reduces the gender gap in financial inclusion across 37 low- and lower-middle-income countries between 2011 and 2021. Using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) panel regression and a control function approach to check for endogeneity, the study explores the impact of digital variables, such as internet usage, digital payments, and a technology and innovation index, on the gender gap in account ownership, saving, and borrowing from formal financial institutions. Findings reveal that digitalization has a mixed impact. Internet usage significantly reduces the gender gap in saving, suggesting that increased connectivity can improve women's ability to save. However, digital payments are associated with a wider saving gap, possibly reflecting unequal access or use among women. Digital variables were not statistically significant for account ownership and borrowing, indicating that structural barriers, such as socio-cultural norms, continue to limit women’s access to financial services. These results suggest that while digital infrastructure and access are essential, they are not sufficient on their own to achieve financial inclusion. The study emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive structural reforms, including the strengthening of women’s legal rights, the enhancement of financial regulations, the development of inclusive financial products tailored to women’s needs, the improvement of digital literacy, and the addressing of socio-cultural barriers, to ensure equitable and meaningful access to financial services for women.

The digital era has significantly transformed the external environment of educational institutions, demanding swift, strategic, and innovative adaptation to remain relevant to societal needs. Key external factors such as rapid technological advancement, evolving government policies, globalization of education, and disparities in digital access pose substantial challenges to maintaining educational quality. Institutions that fail to adapt risk falling behind in both learning quality and graduate competitiveness. This study aims to explore effective adaptation strategies for educational institutions amid these digital dynamics. Employing a literature review with a descriptive qualitative approach, the research analyzes various sources discussing educational responses to technological and policy developments. The findings highlight essential strategies such as integrating a technology-based curriculum, adopting digital learning platforms, enhancing educators’ digital literacy, and improving technological infrastructure to support distance learning. Strengthening institutional capacity to manage digital transformation also becomes a vital component. Furthermore, collaboration with stakeholders—government, private sector, and society—is vital for building an inclusive educational ecosystem. Community involvement and industry partnerships can support resource development and ensure curriculum relevance. However, implementation barriers remain, including insufficient teacher training in digital pedagogy, unequal internet access in remote areas, and limited funding. These issues necessitate digital-oriented education policy evaluations and stronger regulatory frameworks to bridge the digital divide. The study concludes that successful adaptation goes beyond merely adopting technology. Sustainable transformation also depends on continuous evaluation and support systems. By implementing the right strategies and addressing key obstacles, educational institutions can effectively navigate digital challenges and foster sustainable, future-oriented learning environments aligned with contemporary demands.

The low learning motivation of elementary school students in science subjects indicates that the learning process still needs to be optimized to become more engaging and meaningful. Education plays an essential role in developing high-quality human resources, and the advancement of educational technology, particularly digital media, serves as a strategic effort to enhance learning quality. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of using YouTube videos as a learning medium to improve Science learning outcomes in elementary schools through a Systematic Literature Review approach. The research reviews various studies published between 2020 and 2024 that discuss the implementation of YouTube videos in science learning and finds that the use of this medium can increase learning motivation and help students better understand scientific concepts. The analysis results show that informative and relevant videos have a significant positive impact on improving students’ learning outcomes. Nevertheless, challenges such as low content quality, limited teacher involvement, and a lack of digital competence among educators still need to be addressed to optimize the effectiveness of YouTube videos. This study also recommends integrating YouTube videos with other active learning methods, such as project-based and inquiry-based learning, to achieve more substantial learning outcomes. Based on these findings, it is expected that schools and policymakers can recognize the importance of integrating digital technology into the curriculum and support the improvement of digital access and skills among educators to create better learning experiences for students in the modern era.

Despite ongoing healthcare reforms and Medicaid expansion, significant disparities persist in health insurance enrollment among underserved populations. This article presents a big data–driven framework that identifies and addresses enrollment gaps by integrating multiple datasets—healthcare claims, U.S. Census demographics, and social determinants of health (SDOH)—to produce actionable insights at granular geographic levels. Using unsupervised machine learning techniques, including k-means and hierarchical clustering, the framework uncovers hidden patterns of under-enrollment across ZIP codes in Medicaid expansion states. Factors such as limited digital access, language barriers, and low health literacy demonstrate statistical correlations with reduced insurance uptake. The framework employs predictive modeling to forecast communities with the highest risk of continued under-enrollment based on historical and demographic trends. Data-informed interventions are proposed, including multilingual outreach programs, mobile enrollment units, and culturally competent assistance initiatives, with potential impact evaluated through simulation models and ROI forecasting under policy-adjusted scenarios. Built on scalable, privacy-preserving architecture incorporating de-identification standards and role-based access controls, the framework integrates with cloud-native platforms such as Databricks and AWS for real-time data processing and visualization. This work demonstrates how AI and big data analytics can drive policy innovation, resource optimization, and health equity, offering public health officials, Medicaid administrators, and data strategists’ evidence-based solutions for improving healthcare access across socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

The intersection of financial literacy and educational technology (EdTech) presents a transformative opportunity to address the persistent global gaps in financial knowledge, behavior, and decision-making. With increasing digital access and rising financial complexity, conventional models of financial education often fall short in engagement, personalization, and long-term impact. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for adaptive learning platforms designed to enhance financial literacy through personalized, data-driven pedagogical strategies. Drawing on theories of financial capability, behavioral economics, and adaptive learning design, the model integrates learner profiling, algorithmic content delivery, gamification, and real-time feedback mechanisms. The framework highlights how EdTech can be leveraged to move beyond static content delivery to foster behavioral change, contextual relevance, and financial decision-making skills in diverse demographic groups. This paper contributes to the literature by offering a scalable, learner-centric approach to digital financial education and by setting an agenda for empirical validation across socioeconomic and cultural contexts. Implications for policymakers, educators, and EdTech innovators are discussed, with recommendations for ethical design and digital inclusion.

This article investigates how improved digital access can foster effective rural e-governance in Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal. The province, marked by its geographical remoteness and limited infrastructure, continues to struggle with digital inclusion. A quantitative survey approach was employed, targeting 300 rural respondents selected via purposive sampling. The study assessed internet accessibility, ownership of digital devices, digital literacy, and usage of online government services. Findings indicate that only 35% of the population has consistent access to the internet, mainly through mobile phones, while 65% remain digitally excluded. Major barriers identified include limited connectivity, unaffordable digital tools, and lack of awareness or training. Additionally, respondents from digitally connected areas showed a higher tendency to use government services online, such as applying for official documents or accessing agricultural support. The research highlights how digital exclusion leads to a perpetuation of marginalization in public service delivery. To address this, the study proposes targeted policy interventions including the expansion of broadband networks, community-based training programs, and affordable device schemes. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to strengthen inclusive e-governance in underdeveloped regions. This research contributes to the broader discourse on digital equity, public service innovation, and rural development through evidence-based policy recommendations.

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a rapid expansion of telemedicine across the United States, expanding access to video-based services but also raising concerns about equitable access, use, and experience among minority populations. This mixed-methods scoping review quantitatively describes patterns of video-based telemedicine utilization and qualitatively evaluates factors impacting utilization among racial/ethnic minorities in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across six databases for studies published between January 2020 and March 2023. Eligible studies reported on telehealth or telemedicine use, specifically video-based visit utilization among racial/ethnic minorities. Reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and synthesized findings using an integrated mixed-methods approach. Of 1801 studies, 77 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, a majority were published in metropolitan coastal areas, and most were heterogeneous in their definition of telemedicine and utilization. Quantitatively, 33 studies (42.9%) reported increased use of video-based telemedicine, 29 (37.7%) reported decreased use, and 15 (20%) reported variable use across racial/ethnic subgroups. Most studies assessed disparities among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx populations (73 and 66 studies, respectively), while fewer examined disparities among other minority populations (45 studies). Factors associated with telemedicine adoption included patient- and community-level digital access barriers, low organizational digital capacity and infrastructure, implicit bias, and inadequate provider education and training. Identified facilitators included trust and awareness of telemedicine, adequate provider training, cultural and linguistic adaptations, targeted internet subsidies, and telemedicine reimbursements. Video-based telemedicine utilization among racial/ethnic minorities during the COVID-19 pandemic was heterogeneous, influenced by individual, systemic, and implementation factors. Disparities were most pronounced among Asians and other minority populations. Despite increased attention and efforts to address access barriers, our findings highlight the need for more targeted, culturally and structurally tailored interventions to improve digital inclusion.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, highlighting both its transformative potential and the limitations of existing technologies. This paper examines the engineering of telepresence systems in healthcare, an advanced form of teleconsultation designed to emulate in-person consultations through immersive, interactive, and high-resolution communication platforms. It provides a historical context for telemedicine, detailing its evolution from simple telephone consultations to sophisticated systems incorporating augmented and virtual reality. The technological foundations of telepresence are analyzed, including hardware and software components, network infrastructures, and integration protocols. Clinical applications such as telecardiology and telepsychiatry are reviewed, alongside emerging use cases involving mobile robots and 3D visualization tools. Despite their potential, these systems face considerable challenges, including cost, usability, ethical concerns, and disparities in digital literacy and access. Case studies demonstrate how engineered telepresence solutions can address rural and underserved populations. The paper concludes by identifying future trends and recommending strategies to develop equitable, efficient, and ethically sound telepresence systems that bridge the gap between patients and providers across distances. Keywords: Telepresence, Remote consultations, Telehealth engineering, Telemedicine technologies, Telepresence robots, Virtual healthcare, Healthcare accessibility.

This study explores the impact of Learning and Development (L&D) practices on employee performance at SLV Concretes, a mid-sized construction firm in Karnataka, India. Drawing from secondary data sources, the research adopts a qualitative, exploratory approach to assess how structured training influences productivity, safety, motivation, and retention in a labor-intensive industry. Findings indicate that organizations with formal L&D frameworks report higher site efficiency, fewer safety incidents, and improved workforce engagement. However, challenges such as limited digital access, irregular training schedules, and lack of evaluation mechanisms persist in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study emphasizes the need for SLV Concretes to adopt a modular training structure, integrate digital learning tools, and align L&D with measurable performance outcomes. The analysis underscores that strategic investment in employee development is essential for long-term operational excellence and competitive advantage. Keywords: Learning and Development, employee performance, construction industry, workforce training, SLV Concretes, human capital.

With the advent of digital age, network access and protection of sensitive data from unauthorized access or use has been a great challenge. Face detection and recognition is becoming a prevalent method in network security system by utilising the biometric principles. In this survey, we use Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and the Keras deep learning framework to improve network security by building efficient face detection systems. A high-level and user-friendly API implemented by Keras (over TensorFlow), which makes it very easy to use deep learning models for tasks such as face detection. Being multi-GPU ready and distributed training friendly alongside compatibility with OpenCV and TensorFlow enables it to be used in developing reliable, secure, real-time face authentication systems. In this paper, we review the statistics of CNN models for face detection, compare performance of the Keras models on multiple datasets, and show applications of securing a network such as login authentication and access control, as well as real-world uses for surveillance system. In addition, the survey details applications of face detection where the possibility of face spoofing is an issue and current research directions on the topic. Utilizing CNNs with Keras can enable the development of more flexible, performative, and accurate biometric authentication systems, and these systems play a critical role in the global cybersecurity ecosystem.

Objective This study investigates the role of enterprise financial management in enhancing the organizational performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan and China. The primary objective is to analyze and compare how financial practices, such as working capital management, access to credit, and adoption of digital financial tools affect the operational and profitability outcomes of SMEs in these two distinct economic contexts. Methods Drawing on data from open-access sources, national financial reports, and a structured SME-level survey conducted in both countries, the research applies quantitative methods including descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression modeling to assess the relationship between financial management practices and organizational performance.The analysis reveals a nuanced pattern: financial management practices impact SME performance only when supported by digital access and efficient institutional mechanisms. The quadratic model, especially in the Chinese context, highlights the complexity of financial decision-making, where over-accumulation of liquidity can be counterproductive. Results The results reveal a clear divergence between the two countries. In Pakistan, although the volume of SME credit has remained relatively stable in nominal terms, its share in total private sector credit has declined, and formal credit access remains highly limited. Financial management practices such as working capital control and budgeting show no statistically significant impact on profitability, largely due to institutional constraints and low adoption of digital financial tools. In comparison, Chinese SMEs benefit from a well-developed financial ecosystem, where optimal working capital levels and the use of digital financial technologies significantly enhance profitability and efficiency. The study identifies a strong non-linear (quadratic) relationship between working capital ratios and firm performance in China, supporting the hypothesis that strategic liquidity management contributes positively to outcomes when supported by robust infrastructure and access mechanisms. Conclusion The study concludes that enterprise-level financial management contributes meaningfully to SME performance only when integrated within an enabling institutional and technological environment. Policymakers in Pakistan are advised to focus on improving credit access, promoting digital tool adoption, and strengthening the SME financial ecosystem. Comparative insights from China provide a valuable roadmap for financial sector reform in emerging economies. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on SME finance, emphasizing the conditional impact of financial practices on performance based on external mediating factors.

This study explores digital empowerment among tribal women in Wayanad, Kerala, India, where remote communities are often disconnected from mainstream society and lack digital access. Using probability proportionate to size sampling and statistical methods like Chi-Square and Random Forest, it found many tribal women are digitally disempowered, with no access to the internet or social media. Notably, women from the Paniya and Adiya communities, among the most marginalised, are particularly disadvantaged. The digital divide hinders their empowerment, calling for targeted government efforts to address this issue, essential for their social and economic upliftment in the digital age.

This study explores the factors influencing school students’ competency in using the Center for Education and Human Resource Development (CEHRD) learning portal for mathematics learning in Nepal. The cross-sectional survey design was utilized in the research among 836 school students of Kathmandu. Frequency, percentage, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H tests as well as path analysis were the major statistical techniques applied to this research. The results indicate that students with regular access to both mobile phones and laptops, and those who spend more than one hour daily using them for mathematics, demonstrate higher competency in using the CEHRD learning portal. While the school type and the study level influence competency indirectly through device access, gender differences are found minimal. The findings from scatter plots and path models underscore that time of usage mediates the effect of device access, and access mediates the impact of school-related variables. The study highlights the significance of equitable digital access and structured engagement in promoting the effective use of the learning platforms. The findings have important implications for policymakers, educators, and platform designers in enhancing digital equity and optimizing the portal use for improved mathematics learning outcomes.