Author: Dr Holly Foley, PhD, Project Manager at the Digital Wealth Project, UDL Digital Badge Lead Maynooth University
Research Stream: Lived Experience
Digital Wealth: An Overview
As we pass the sixth anniversary of the ALL institute it’s a perfect time to reflect on how our research has grown and developed under the ethos of the institute. The Digital Wealth Project commenced in March of 2021 for a 3-year project and funded through Rethink Ireland and Microsoft Ireland led by Dr Katriona O’Sullivan and Dr Holly Foley.
The aim of the Digital Wealth Project is to tackle Digital Poverty. Digital Poverty is not income-dependent, instead it relates specifically to being able to access the digital resources (materials, skills, training, infrastructure) necessary to enjoy a basic standard of living.
Digital skills and resources are no longer seen as additional skills but are slowly becoming necessary to navigate our current society. Our strategy is to work with schools offering digital activities to students, digital skills workshops to teaching staff as well as governance and advice of digital policies to the leadership teams. However, we have identified one element of our project that can sustainably accelerate the pace of change from digital poverty to digital wealth. This is our Digital Leader Programme.
Currently trainee teachers can go through their degree, training and placement without taking a digital skills module. Our project in conjunction with the Department of Education in Maynooth University and Microsoft Ireland have created a programme to assist trainee teachers to deliver 6-week digital skills module in schools. The students in school benefit from receiving increased digital education, however the change really happens with our trainee teachers who will have these skills in their teaching toolkit for their whole career. To allow for equal opportunity to all we must ensure that all people and society be digitally wealthy. If we do not address the issue, we are creating the circumstances which will perpetuate digital poverty and large proportions of the population will be locked out of our current technologically advancing society.
The Impact of the ALL Institute on the Digital Wealth project
When reflecting on this anniversary of the ALL Institute it is easy to see the benefits of undertaking our project within a group whose ethos and values mirror our own. One of the main advantages we have found in our time working with the ALL Institute has been the ability to collaborate, share ideas and bring together diverse perspectives and opinions to tackle complex issues and devise strategy for future. When individuals from various backgrounds unite under a common goal, the collaboration is unparalleled. Digital poverty, which encompasses limited access to digital resources, demands a multidimensional approach. The collective intellect of researchers with expertise in technology, education, psychology, and more, allows for a holistic examination of the issue. Using a holistic approach working with school staff, students and the wider community the project aims to empower schools to understand their needs in a 21st century teaching and learning environment and identify the supports required to meet their needs.
By joining the ALL institute, it allowed the team to become part of a dynamic community where ideas flow freely and interdisciplinary collaboration is not just encouraged but celebrated. This collaborative spirit amplifies the impact of our research aimed at addressing digital poverty by drawing on the strengths of different fields. These collaborations have not only strengthened team dynamics but also enhanced the productivity and efficiency of the research.
The opportunity for collaboration extends outside of the internal structures of the institute- with extensive external networks, comprising policymakers, industry professionals, communities, and non-governmental organizations. These networks serve as valuable resources for our team and other researchers as they allow us to bring real-world problems and questions to the research community. This not only enhances the relevance and impact of the research but also provides opportunities for collaboration, funding, and knowledge exchange. For projects like ours and others in the institute this integration of diverse perspectives from academia, government, and non-governmental organizations further highlights the untapped potential of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Another advantage to conducting research within the ALL Institute for the Digital Wealth project would be the emphasis on and promotion of a diverse and inclusive research environment. Research on digital poverty necessitates an understanding of the varied factors contributing to the digital divide, such as socioeconomic status, geographical location, education levels, and cultural factors. In a diverse work setting, we are given the opportunity to tap into a wealth of perspectives, ensuring that solutions are comprehensive and applicable across different contexts. Additionally, fostering diversity across research teams enhances creativity and innovation. When involved in a workplace culture which values differing viewpoints and the challenging our opinions and viewpoints, we have been able to carry out research leading to breakthroughs that might be subtle but have shown to have an amazing impact on collaborating schools, students and staff.
By 2030 it is predicted that there will be 85 million tech jobs unfulfilled due to global human talent shortage aka not enough digitally wealthy people. When we consider digital poverty in the context of the ‘class of 2030’ who need to be prepared for a wholly digital society the need for the Digital Wealth Project becomes even more pertinent. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, respect for diversity, and participation, the ALL Institute has created a supportive environment where our team in Digital Wealth and every other project can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and expertise to their field of research.
Links to all blog posts for this symposium
Around ALL in Seven Blog Posts…
Celebrating the Third Anniversary of the ‘Ideas in ALL Blog’ in the 2023 Winter Symposium; a Commentary from the Editorial Team
Moving Forward to Have a More Inclusive Society
Reflecting on a Journey of Meaningful Impact: Celebrating with the ALL-Institute
Developing the Campus as a Healthy Environment: The MU Healthy Campus Steering Group