How (can) non-users engage with technology: bringing in the digitally excluded

This paper describes findings from the Penceil Project which aims to explore the experiences of non and minimal users of ICTs, how non-use affects their inclusion or exclusion from society and how they can learn to use ICTs to meet their personal goals. The paper considers the applicability of the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) to understanding the experiences of this group of people. By looking at theories of social exclusion and the project research findings to date the paper argues that TAM: is limited in the range of social conditions it anticipates; and, thus, presumes a facility in formulating aspirations for use that people excluded from the use of ICTs do not have. We consider the implications of these conclusions for designing a revised Basic ICT curriculum and describe a new curriculum based on the research findings. We argue that, as ICTs in general – and internet use in particular – are experienced technologies, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use will have to be re-formulated to recognise limitations on people’s ability to construct plans for future action since an actor’s world is disclosed through action not given in advance.