The digital divide in Papua New Guinea: Implications for journalism education

  • Maria Sagrista Divine Word University, Madang
  • Patrick Matbob Divine Word University, Madang
Keywords: cyber-enthusiasts, cyber-sceptics, digital divide, digital literacy, digital media, information technology, journalism education, Papua New Guinea, technology

Abstract

Access to new technology and the development of the necessary skills to master them are crucial aspects when developing countries aim to play a more important role in the current information age and knowledge-based society. New technology and the internet have the potential to enhance access to information for people and to help countries such as Papua New Guinea become active producers of knowledge, shifting away from the traditional role of passive consumption. However, new technology also has the potential to increase already existing inequalities. In this regard, exploring the concrete shortcuts brought by the digital divide in PNG and trying to address them for journalism education is an imperative, so that journalists in the country can bridge this gap, raise their own voices and best contribute to the development of Papua New Guinean society.

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Author Biographies

Maria Sagrista, Divine Word University, Madang
Maria Sagrista is digital media lecturer in the Department of Communication Arts, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Divine Word University, Madang, Papua New Guinea. She was among a group of Pacific media educators and trainers brought to New Zealand for the World Journalism Education Congress (WJEC) conference at Auckland University of Technology on 14-16 July 2016 by sponsorship from the NZ Institute of Pacific Research.
Patrick Matbob, Divine Word University, Madang
Patrick Matbob is senior lecturer in the Department of Communication Arts, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Divine Word University, Madang, Papua New Guinea.
PJR
Published
31-12-2016
How to Cite
Sagrista, M., & Matbob, P. (2016). The digital divide in Papua New Guinea: Implications for journalism education. Pacific Journalism Review : Te Koakoa, 22(2), 20-34. https://doi.org/10.24135/pjr.v22i2.44