BRIDGING THE

DIGITAL
EMPOWERING
DIVIDE:
COMMUNITIES
THROUGH
ONLINE
PLATFORMS
Presented by: Rachell Ann A. Uson
Hi, I'm Rachell
from DICT-Training
Management Division
 Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering
Communities Through Online Platforms

This discussion aims to shed light on the

distinction between online platforms and
online creation tools, providing examples
tailored to the needs of marginalized
communities.
Below are online platforms and applications available on the
internet. Guess as many as you can
Below are online platforms and applications available on the
internet. Guess as many as you can
 Introduction

Online platforms have transformed access

to information and communication to
greater heights. They provide
opportunities for any person to tell, share,
and even sell his or her ideas and stories
to the world in just one click.
 Definition

The term “online platform” has been used to

describe a range of services available on the
Internet including marketplaces, search
engines, social media, creative content outlets,
app stores, communications services, payment
systems, services comprising the so-called
“collaborative” or “gig” economy, and much
more.
 Definition (formal)

An online platform is defined as a digital

service that facilitates interactions between two
or more distinct but interdependent sets of
users (whether firms or individuals) who
interact through the service via the Internet.
Most Visited Websites in Philippines, February 2024
Understanding the Digital
Divide in the Philippines
DIGITAL DIVIDE

• refers to the gap between individuals or

communities who have access to digital
technologies and those who do not, as
well as disparities in their ability to
effectively use these technologies.
Understanding Online Platforms
Example of virtual spaces where individuals can connect, interact,
and access various services or resources.

• Facebook
⚬ A social media platform where users can connect with
friends, join groups, and access information.

• Shopee
⚬ An online marketplace where users can buy and sell items
within their community.

• Coursera
⚬ E-learning platform offers online courses, certificates, and
degree programs from universities and institutions around
the world.
Understanding Online Platforms
Other Examples

• Government Websites
⚬ Platforms where citizens can access public services, such
as applying for IDs or benefits.

• Canva
⚬ A graphic design platform that allows users to create
posters, flyers, and social media graphics.
 Online Platforms
Facebook is an example of an online platform.
Therefore, online platforms combine all tools into
one place and system for efficient processes and
faster accomplishment of different tasks.

Online applications and tools are different from

online platforms because they only get one part of
the job.
 Online Platforms
There are some online applications and tools
that are integrated within one place. For
example, Facebook Messenger is a
communication tool provided by Meta that
makes calling and texting services possible
for its users.
Online Platform vs Online Creation Tools

Online Platform Online Creation Tools

Google Workspace formerly known as G Suite, is a cloud-based Google Docs: A word processing application that enables
productivity suite offered by Google. It encompasses various collaborative editing of documents. Multiple users can work on the
collaboration and productivity tools designed for businesses, same document simultaneously and see changes in real time.
educational institutions, and other organizations.
Differentiating Online Creation Tools
Online creation tools are digital applications that enable users to produce and manipulate content,
fostering creativity and expression.

Social Media Content Creation Tools:

• Instagram Stories: Instagram's feature for creating ephemeral content using photos, videos,
text, stickers, and filters.

• Facebook Creator Studio: A platform for managing and scheduling content across Facebook
and Instagram, including posts, stories, and live broadcasts.
Audio and Visual Content Creation Tools
and Applications
A. Audio: These tools and applications allow users to create,
edit, trim, remix, and publish kinds of music and sounds

Examples: Hobnox Audiotool, Twisted Wave Audio Editor,

and Audi Trimmer

B. Infographics: These tools and applications give users the

chance to create a creative and stunning infographic.

Examples: Creately, Piktochart

Audio and Visual Content Creation Tools
and Applications
C. Video:
These tools and applications allow users to edit and create videos online.
Examples: Powtoon, WeVideo and YouTube Video Editor

D. Presentations:
These tools and applications let the users utilize images, videos, and graphics in their presentations to get into the minds of
their target audience.
Examples: Prezi, Haiku Deck, Emaze

E. Memes: The Internet is full of colorful images and videos because audiences love them and share them. Memes get copied
and spread rapidly. These applications and tools make meme creation easier.
Example: QuickMeme
Online Offices and Content
Management System (CMS)
These applications and tools are word processors,
spreadsheets, slides, and survey forms that work in
cyberspace.

Examples: Google doc, sheets, slides, Google Forms, and

other tools in Office 365

CMS is an application that allows the user to publish, edit,

manipulate, organize, and delete web content. Most webpage
creation platforms use CMS to develop ICT content for a
specific purpose.
EXISTING ONLINE
PLATFORMS
Presentation/ Visualization

• allows users to present and share

presentations, infographics, and videos with
other people.
• use to communicate information clearly and
effectively
EXISTING ONLINE
PLATFORMS
Cloud Computing

• Simply called “the cloud”

• Allows users to upload, download,
organize, and store files on online storage
instead of using a computer hard drive.
EXISTING ONLINE
PLATFORMS
Cloud Computing

• Access anytime, anywhere

• The practice of using a network of remote
servers hosted on the internet.
• Here, users can share and even collaborate
files with other users.
EXISTING ONLINE
PLATFORMS
Social Media

• These are interactive online technologies

that enable the creation or sharing of
information, ideas, career interests, and
other forms of expression through virtual
communities and networks.
EXISTING ONLINE
PLATFORMS
Online Communication and meeting platforms
Zoom
• Popular due to ease of use, reliability, and features such as video conferencing, webinars, and
screen sharing. It's widely used by businesses, educational institutions, and individuals for
virtual meetings and events.
Microsoft Teams
• Part of the Microsoft 365 suite and offers features such as chat, video conferencing, file
sharing, and integration with other MS Office applications. It's commonly used for
collaboration and communication within organizations.
Google Meet
• a video conferencing platform integrated with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). It
allows users to host virtual meetings, webinars, and online classes.
EXISTING ONLINE
PLATFORMS
Online Communication and meeting platforms

Skype
• a well-known platform for voice and video calls, instant messaging, and file
sharing. It's used by individuals and businesses for both personal and
professional communication.

Viber and WhatsApp

• a messaging app that also offers voice and video calls. It is commonly used in the
Philippines for personal communication but can also be used for small group
meetings.
EXISTING ONLINE
PLATFORMS
Mapping

• This online platform provides detailed

information about geographical regions
and sites around the world. It allows the
embedding of maps into proprietary sites
EXISTING ONLINE
PLATFORMS
File Management

• Allows you to convert and manage files

like images, videos, documents, audio, and
more to other formats without
downloading a software tool.
• Examples: Zamzar,
Word2pdf & CloudConvert
EXISTING ONLINE
PLATFORMS
Web Page Creation

• It is an online platform that lets you build

a web page that includes colors, texts, and
images, and often contains links to media
such as video and audio.
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF
ONLINE PLATFORMS AND
APPLICATIONS
In the latter part of the 20th century, creating an
online platform like a webpage or a website
required a skillful mind regarding computer
programming. Only those who possessed superior
knowledge of computer codes were the ones who
could create a web page or website, and yet their
creations were not that exciting and convincing
compared to what we have today.
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF
ONLINE PLATFORMS AND
APPLICATIONS
At present, it is very convenient to create textual and visual
parts in creating ICT content.

Even a high school learner with the necessary skills, even

without superior knowledge of computer programming, can
develop and construct creative ICT content that is fun and
interactive to users.

Moreover, web pages or websites have evolved into tools

and platforms useful for discovery, communication,
creation, and co-creation
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF
ONLINE PLATFORMS AND
APPLICATIONS
Another good point for online applications and platforms
is their convenience. Since they are online, they are
available to the users anytime and anywhere if they are
connected to the internet.

They are less hassle and easy to use compared to desktop

applications since they do not require installation on
computers since they are web-based. They consume
almost no storage in your computer since most of your
creation will be saved on clouds.
WHICH ONLINE PLATFORMS AND
APPLICATIONS WILL YOU
CHOOSE?
Address Specific Purpose

• In choosing online platforms and

applications, make sure that they have
features that are fitted to your needs.
They should help you create content
that you wanted to develop
WHICH ONLINE PLATFORMS AND
APPLICATIONS WILL YOU
CHOOSE?
Easy to Use

• Good platforms and applications must

have a friendly interface. It means that
you can easily understand, manipulate
and use its different features.
WHICH ONLINE PLATFORMS AND
APPLICATIONS WILL YOU
CHOOSE?
Collaborative Features

• As much as possible, choose platforms

and applications that promote
collaboration. Aside from the fact that
collaboration makes tasks easier and
faster to accomplish, better content will
be developed if it is thought and worked
on by more than one brain
WHICH ONLINE PLATFORMS AND
APPLICATIONS WILL YOU
CHOOSE?
Browser Support

• You need to ensure that a variety of

browsers supports your chosen online
platforms and applications.
WHICH ONLINE PLATFORMS AND
APPLICATIONS WILL YOU
CHOOSE?
Content Security

• Any platform or application must

guarantee the security of users’ data—
for instance, features of content privacy
or the ability to delete content.
Exploring Online Platforms
Relevant to Basic Sectors
• Social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., for
communication, networking, and community building.

• E-commerce platforms: Lazada, Shopee, Carousell, etc., for buying

and selling goods and services online.

• Job portals: Govjobs.PH, JobStreet, Kalibrr, Indeed, etc., for finding

employment opportunities and career development.

• Health and wellness platforms: KonsultaMD, HealthNow,

MedGrocer, Philippine Red Cross Blood App, etc., for accessing
healthcare services and information.

• Education platforms: DepEd Commons, Edukasyon.ph, Coursera,

etc., for learning and skill development.
Importance for Basic Sectors
• Access to Information: Online platforms provide access to crucial information and services,
such as healthcare resources or job opportunities.
• Community Building: Platforms like Facebook enable marginalized communities to connect,
share experiences, and support each other.
• Skill Development: Online creation tools offer opportunities for skill enhancement and
economic empowerment, allowing individuals to learn digital skills and generate income.
• Accessibility: Integrating e-government services into online platforms ensures that
marginalized individuals, including those in remote or underserved areas, can easily access
essential government services without the need for physical presence.
• Efficiency: Online platforms streamline processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and waiting
times, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
• Inclusivity: By providing digital services through widely accessible online platforms,
marginalized sectors, such as persons with disabilities or those with limited mobility, are
included in the digital transformation of governance.
 Challenges and Solutions
• Digital Literacy: Many marginalized individuals may lack digital literacy skills. Community-based
training programs can bridge this gap by providing basic digital literacy workshops.
• Internet Accessibility: Limited internet access in rural or remote areas can hinder participation. Initiatives
like community internet hubs or mobile data subsidies can improve access.
• Language Barriers: Language diversity in the Philippines can pose challenges. Platforms and tools should
offer multilingual support to cater to diverse communities.
• Digital Divide: Limited internet access and digital literacy among marginalized communities may hinder
the adoption of e-government services. Addressing these challenges requires community-based digital
literacy programs and infrastructure development initiatives to improve internet connectivity.
• Privacy and Security Concerns: Protecting sensitive personal information is crucial. Government
agencies must implement robust data protection measures and educate citizens on online security best
practices to build trust in e-government services.
Digital Awareness and Skills
Development
⚬ Improving digital literacy skills,
through online tutorials,
workshops, and community
initiatives.
⚬ Taking proactive steps in enhancing
their digital awareness and
confidence in using online
platforms.
Learning Management System -
An Education Platform
Integrating E-Government Services into
Online Platforms
E-government services involve the delivery of government information and services through
electronic means, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for citizens.

Examples:
• Philippine National ID System (PhilSys): An online platform facilitating the registration and
issuance of National IDs, streamlining access to government services.
• PhilHealth Online Services: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) offers
online platforms for members to access their accounts, check contributions, and avail of
healthcare services.
• SSS Online Services: The Social Security System (SSS) provides online platforms for
members to view contributions, apply for loans, and process benefits.
 Other Examples
• Barangay Health Information System
(BHIS): A local government initiative
utilizing an online platform to provide health
information and telemedicine services to
rural communities.

• Tesda Online Program: The Technical

Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) offers online courses on various
skills, empowering marginalized individuals
with vocational training and certification.
 Conclusion
Online platforms and creation tools offer valuable opportunities for
empowerment and inclusion among basic sectors in the Philippines. By
understanding their differences and harnessing their potential, we can work
towards bridging the digital divide and building more inclusive digital
communities.
“When you know better, you
do better,”
Maya Angelou.
Thank you
 ?
Question
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