Evaluating ICT Adoption in Rural Brazil: A Quantitative Analysis of Telecenters as Agents of Social Change

Authors

Paola Prado, Roger Williams UniversityFollow
Mauro Araújo Câmara
Marco Aurélio de Figueiredo

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2011

Comments

Published in: The Journal of Community Informatics, vol.7, no 1-2, 2011.

Abstract

This quantitative study surveyed 538 adults in isolated rural settings in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to examine whether telecenters operated by the non-profit organization Gems of the Earth improve digital literacy and promote social change. Using multivariate logistic regression, the study examined how individuals use information and communication technologies (ICTs) at the telecenter, and tested for predictors of their use. The findings confirm that these rural communities use ICTs for entertainment, to engage in civic participation, and to practice professional skills. The findings suggest that digital inclusion impacts these isolated communities by creating opportunities that may foster human development.

Recommended Citation

Prado, Paola, Mauro Araújo Câmara, and Marco Aurélio de Figueiredo. 2011. "Evaluating ICT Adoption in Rural Brazil: A Quantitative Analysis of Telecenters as Agents of Social Change." The Journal of Community Informatics. 7(1-2).