DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FUELING DREAMS OF RURAL DIGITAL IMMIGRANTS - A CASE STUDY OF WOMEN FROM FARMER PRODUCING ORGANIZATIONS IN WESTERN MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

Digital immigrants as defined by Mark Prensky (Prensky, 2001) are the individuals who were born before 1980, in an era before technology became omnipresent. These individuals may differ in their comfort levels to use and adapt to technology, and are categorised on the basis of their ability to handle digital tools. This generation grew up in an era before computers, internet or smartphone and related applications. In contrast to the digital natives who were born in the digital era, the digital immigrants learnt about usage of digital tools later in their lives. The wonders and possibilities of fulfilling dreams through a digitally immersed world are ceaseless. This research paper presents the partial findings of a case study which attempts to investigate the usage of digital tools by rural women, hence, the rural digital immigrants who were mostly posed with challenges of gender divide, access, patriarchal norms, and geographical barriers. It explores how the members of Farmer Producing Organizations have become adept users of the digital tools and overcome several barriers and succeeded in their lives. The study adopted qualitative approach and a case study method. This study presents findings from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions of the members of farmer producing organizations. Digital tools have played a crucial role in uplifting them and giving them dreams and the means to fulfil those dreams.