Computer usage and access in low-income urban communities.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of home computer access on low-income families participating in the Computer for Families program. The study focused on participants (1) general computer usage, access and knowledge; (2) employment; (3) education; and (4) their children’s...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Computers in Human Behavior Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 1393 - 1402
Autores principales: Araque, J.C., Maiden, R.P., Bravo, N., Estrada, I., Evans, R., Hubchik, K., Kirby, K., Reddy, M.
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Elsevier B.V. Jul2013
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of home computer access on low-income families participating in the Computer for Families program. The study focused on participants (1) general computer usage, access and knowledge; (2) employment; (3) education; and (4) their children’s-computer access, usage and academic performance. The study methodology consisted of a quasi-experimental design using qualitative and quantitative approaches, including focus groups, pretests and post-tests, and self-reported surveys with experimental and control groups. Statistically significant findings suggest that participants in the Computers for Families program were more likely than non-participants to have access to the Internet from home, use a computer for more than 1h per day, complete online job applications, and submit job applications and resumes electronically. Social and behavioral implications regarding computer access and usage in low-income urban communities are discussed.