Inclusão digital: um caminho para inclusão social

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the conceptual foundations, methodology and results generated from a digital inclusion program developed in Minas Gerais. The conceptual foundations are used as the basis for digital inclusion towards social inclusion. The article is based on the concept of digital inclusion broadly including not only people with no recourse but also those who do not use technology resources for different reasons. To support and validate the parameters considered, it presents the methodology applied to different communities with the digital inclusion project in the Alto Paraopeba region in Minas Gerais that started in 2008 and is ongoing to date. It also presents an example of continuity and expansion project of digital inclusion in the School of Information Science at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). The results show quantitatively by analyzing the questionnaires and follow-up of participants who have 100% learning rate proving the efficiency of the methodology. Qualitatively features testimonials from participants who claim interest in the project. The research answers questions of how digital inclusion provides social inclusion based on the categories of analysis as to what and why people use technological resources. This research concludes that people seek the increase of knowledge, relationship through social networks among other variables of motivation for digital inclusion.