Résumés
Abstract
The use of digital technology during the COVID-19 pandemic advanced service delivery from in-person to virtual. This qualitative study, conducted with 20 service providers in settlement and social service agencies supporting immigrant communities in Edmonton, Alberta, uncovered significant findings. The study revealed that technology disparities markedly affected the access and delivery of services for both service providers and users. The implications of these findings underscore the urgent and pressing need for advocacy at all levels of government to ensure that all Canadians, especially the marginalized, have equitable access to affordable internet services, technology devices, and digital literacy training.
Keywords:
- COVID-19 pandemic,
- technology,
- settlement agencies,
- social service agencies,
- service delivery
Résumé
L’utilisation de la technologie numérique pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 a permis de faire passer la prestation de services d’une approche en personne à une approche virtuelle. Cette étude qualitative, menée auprès de 20 fournisseurs de services dans des organismes d’établissement et de services sociaux soutenant les communautés d’immigrants à Edmonton, en Alberta, a permis de tirer des conclusions importantes. L’étude a révélé que les disparités technologiques affectaient considérablement l’accès et la prestation des services, tant pour les prestataires de services que pour les utilisateurs. Les implications de ces résultats soulignent le besoin urgent et pressant de plaider à tous les niveaux du gouvernement pour s’assurer que tous les Canadiens, en particulier les personnes marginalisées, ont un accès équitable à des services Internet abordables, à des appareils technologiques et à une formation à la littératie numérique.
Mots-clés :
- Pandémie de COVID-19,
- technologie,
- agences d’établissement,
- agences de services sociaux,
- prestation de services
Parties annexes
Bibliography
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