Google has partnered with the GSM Association (GSMA) to introduce a new Android training module to improve digital literacy.
The training module is geared to help more people better understand and take advantage of the Android platform.
This module will be included in the latest version of GSMA’s Mobile Internet Skills Training Toolkit (MISTT) and is part of GSMA’s connected society initiative. They aim to empower 2 million people with mobile internet skills by 2021.
The Android MISTT module teaches basic smartphone functions such as creating Google accounts, using Google assistant and best practices for staying safe.
This initiative is one of the many Google initiatives that aim to tackle the lack of digital literacy globally. They have Grow with Google which is a skills graining program that has trained over 5 million people in Africa.
The proliferation of smartphones and internet connectivity would make one think we are fully connected. The reality is that a lot of people out there are not connected to the internet or don’t have access to smartphones.
According to GSMA, there are 3.4 billion people globally who do not have access to mobile broadband coverage. Alternatively, Sub Saharan Africa has 770 million people who are unable to access the internet.
These people are either unable tor unwilling to use it. They found that the low levels of basic digital literacy are one of the main barriers to mobile internet adoption. Consequently, another study also showed that those who are aware of mobile internet, 34% of them highlighted the lack of literacy and digital skills as the biggest barrier.
