Author: Matthias Sturm, PhD candidate in Education, Simon Fraser University

Meaningful internet access goes beyond having easy and everyday access to broadband internet and digital devices. Equally important is whether Canadians can use their digital access for their benefit. That depends on their ability to acquire and apply the skills necessary to navigate the online world. Many adults across the country face daily challenges with accessing and finding what they need online, reflecting a three-tiered digital divide. This divide describes differences in how people get connected, how they regularly use online resources and obtain what they need. Regular and consistent access to devices and internet connections can certainly foster digital…