Reflecting and consolidating

Chapter summary
  • ICT is rapidly changing, with increasingly merging and wireless tools that enable easier connections between people to be made.
  • The distribution of ICT around the world, as measured by internet-related use, is uneven.
  • Internet-enabled mobile phones and social media are changing the use of the internet.
  • Generally, people have greater access to ICT, but access is not universal: it is more limited in rural areas, for example. The poorest sectors of society remain excluded, and there is a possibility that the ‘digital divide’ may widen, increasing the gap in living standards between these people and those who are better off.
  • ICT has the potential to assist development, as is evident in the many successful (and generally small-scale) initiatives of government, non-government and corporate organisations, but barriers remain in terms of cost, pace of change, infrastructure and research data.
  • Outcomes for ICT should be integrated with development goals relating to education, health and employment.
  • The ICT service industry has generated economic gains in terms of standards of living (incomes), but the evidence as to whether or not this translates into improvements in quality of life is not conclusive.
Interactive activity

Key terms

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Short-answer questions
  1. Marshall McLuhan (1911–80) was a Canadian philosopher with an interest in media and communications who coined the phrase ‘global village’. How could the increasing use of ICT create a ‘global village’? (Hint: Use the concepts of distance and movement in your answer.) Include a sketch to assist your explanation.
  2. The Future Geographical Careers report by Fast Future (commissioned by the UK government in 2010) made some suggestions about employment options that may be popular in 2030. These include a waste data handler, vertical farmer, weather modification police officer, alternative vehicle developer, classroom avatar manager and old age wellness consultant.

    Select one of these possible future careers and discuss with a partner the following:

    1. the knowledge and skills that may be involved in this occupation
    2. the value of studying geography for this future role.
  3. Evaluate the role of mobile phones in the development of low- and middle-income countries.
  4. How could social media be used to enhance development in rural Africa?
  5. Outline the problems that can occur when a country has a heavy reliance on electricity.
Extended-response question

Claims are being made that ICT is ‘revolutionising’ the development opportunities for low- and middle-income countries. Research is currently being undertaken, and while there are many examples of positive outcomes for people, questions remain about the equitable access to technology and the uneven distribution of projects in rural communities. Even in regions with reliable internet access, uncertainty remains as to whether the use of the technology is leading to improvements in the people’s standard of living and quality of life.

Evaluate this statement using evidence from independent research.