Access, knowledge and use of the Internet at the University of Antioquia: a diagnostic and characterization model

Abstract

Based upon the research project Access to and Knowledge and Use of the Internet in the University of Antioquia, this paper presents a model that will enable any university to diagnose and analyze its situation relative to the utilization of the Internet as a support medium for instruction, research, extension and administrative management and, consequently, to determine the possible actions that would be necessary in order for the Internet to become a “digital opportunity” in every university. This model would also enable each university to address the four great threats or limitations to which universities are often exposed: the digital divide, information and digital illiteracy, the poor quality of the digital information that is so often used (information asymmetry), and information overload (infoxication). The methodology utilized in this study included the following steps: creation of a matrix for the information compiled, definition of the macroconcepts-macrovariables of analysis, the state of the art on the subject, the contextualization of the situation of the university, the selection of the sample group, and, finally, the recommendations to the agencies. As a general conclusion, this study notes the urgent necessity for all of the universities to assume, as one of their principal strategies for action, the incorporation of the TIC and the Internet into their tools and services as well as their mission statements. This incorporation must include the integration of plans, programs, and projects and ongoing evaluation.