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A2Jeff Hoehl
Last modified by Hal Eden on 2010/08/20 11:06
Assignment 2
Digital Divide
The digital divide is a term used to describe the varying levels of access people have to digital technologies but can also refer to their varying levels of use of digital technologies. This largely refers to desktop computer and Internet access but can also include PDAs, cell phones, digital cameras, and other electronics. The roots of the division are multifaceted but are largely influenced by economic access, societal infrastructure, and personal abilities. Economic access impacts the division as newer technologies are generally expensive and not a necessity for life. As such, many cannot afford computers or cannot justify the investment in them. Societal infrastructure is also needed to support newer technologies, especially Internet access. Newer technologies require a substantial infrastructure ranging from consistent electrical access to reliable phone lines and/or cellular networks. Without these, the usefulness of computers becomes diminished even if economic factors are overcome. Finally, personal ability becomes a large problem. Not only do accessibility issues such as mental and physical disabilities inhibit the use of technology, but also literacy and perception play significant roles. The Internet is largely text-based and technology can have many negative stigmas (i.e. complicated, fragile, inaccurate) inhibiting adoption and common use.
The significance of the digital divide largely revolves around the idea that a lack of access to digital systems inhibits access to a growing body of public knowledge and also prevents the learning of increasingly needed skills for the workforce. As information increasingly becomes stored and transmitted in digital formats, those without access to newer technology will be increasingly deprived of news, information, and education. Furthermore, as businesses around the world increasingly rely on newer technologies, they will need employees with more technological backgrounds and skill sets. Individuals with limited access to technology resources will thus have fewer opportunities in the job market and thus less social and economic mobility. The Digital Divide and Internet Access
Increasingly, the Internet has become a hub of not only information transmittal but of information creation that does not exist in any other medium. As such, information is increasingly being created on the Internet that is not available to anyone without Internet access. This has incredible implications in that it prevents those without Internet access from having many of the same opportunities as those with Internet access. This can range from medical information to job postings, emergency notifications, political discussions, web logs, and even educational information. Even more importantly, some jobs and educational courses are being offered exclusively to those with Internet access as a core component of the job or class. Those without Internet access are slowly but increasingly being limited in social and intellectual mobility. As such, it is important to provide Internet access to more individuals and to provide Internet content in more accessible ways.
There are several possible methods to accomplish broader Internet information dissemination. First, in most areas of the world, the Internet is only accessible through private companies and is considered a relatively expensive luxury. By providing government-sponsored Internet access, a greater digital equality can be obtained. This would largely be sponsored in the same way public education and the public library systems are. Just as the public library system provides free and equal access to the wealth of historical information, a public Internet system would provide equal access to modern information. This has occurred in some cities with municipal programs but should be undertaken on a much larger and global level. Second, information should be made more accessible. Currently, the Internet is largely inaccessible to those with mental and/or physical disabilities and to those without proper training. Strides should be taken through education of content creators and providers to increase the accessibility of Internet information. Third, Internet access should be provided on more platforms. Expensive desktops and laptops are not prerequisites for Internet access. #bubblec('It is estimated that in 2007', 'Where and by whom? Its always a good idea to add references for such factual statements; Try to avoid pointers-to-nowhere whenever possible and be as accurate as possible') over three billion people not only had access to but also actively used cell phones. By providing better support for Internet information on mobile devices, the traditional infrastructure demands of hard-wired Internet access can be avoided and Internet usage can be taken advantage of to a larger population. Broader Internet access is not necessarily difficult to achieve but will take the support of large organizations or governments to realize globally.
The Digital Divide and The CLever Project
The CLever Project directly addresses the issues posed by the digital divide by attempting to help make digital technology more accessible, usable, and practical to those with cognitive disabilities. By creating applicable assistive technologies, the CLever Project accomplishes several simultaneous goals. Initially, the project exposes newer technologies to those with cognitive disabilities that might otherwise not use them. By doing so, the user gains not only familiarity but also training on how to interact and successfully use digital technologies. This exposure can then possibly lead to incremental usage of more advanced and complex systems. The project also provides the reverse information flow. By aggregating complex data and systems, such as the GPS coordinates of the various buses, and providing the information in a meaningful way, the CLever Project allows the end user access to the same information made available to others without cognitive impairment. By supplementing his or her abilities, the project expands both the physical and digital access of the end user and diminishes the gap between those with cognitive disabilities and those without.
Resources
http://www.ed.gov/Technology/digdiv.html
http://www.internetworldstats.com/links10.htm
http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKL2712199720070627
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/digital-divide.html
Digital Divide
The digital divide is a term used to describe the varying levels of access people have to digital technologies but can also refer to their varying levels of use of digital technologies. This largely refers to desktop computer and Internet access but can also include PDAs, cell phones, digital cameras, and other electronics. The roots of the division are multifaceted but are largely influenced by economic access, societal infrastructure, and personal abilities. Economic access impacts the division as newer technologies are generally expensive and not a necessity for life. As such, many cannot afford computers or cannot justify the investment in them. Societal infrastructure is also needed to support newer technologies, especially Internet access. Newer technologies require a substantial infrastructure ranging from consistent electrical access to reliable phone lines and/or cellular networks. Without these, the usefulness of computers becomes diminished even if economic factors are overcome. Finally, personal ability becomes a large problem. Not only do accessibility issues such as mental and physical disabilities inhibit the use of technology, but also literacy and perception play significant roles. The Internet is largely text-based and technology can have many negative stigmas (i.e. complicated, fragile, inaccurate) inhibiting adoption and common use.
The significance of the digital divide largely revolves around the idea that a lack of access to digital systems inhibits access to a growing body of public knowledge and also prevents the learning of increasingly needed skills for the workforce. As information increasingly becomes stored and transmitted in digital formats, those without access to newer technology will be increasingly deprived of news, information, and education. Furthermore, as businesses around the world increasingly rely on newer technologies, they will need employees with more technological backgrounds and skill sets. Individuals with limited access to technology resources will thus have fewer opportunities in the job market and thus less social and economic mobility. The Digital Divide and Internet Access
Increasingly, the Internet has become a hub of not only information transmittal but of information creation that does not exist in any other medium. As such, information is increasingly being created on the Internet that is not available to anyone without Internet access. This has incredible implications in that it prevents those without Internet access from having many of the same opportunities as those with Internet access. This can range from medical information to job postings, emergency notifications, political discussions, web logs, and even educational information. Even more importantly, some jobs and educational courses are being offered exclusively to those with Internet access as a core component of the job or class. Those without Internet access are slowly but increasingly being limited in social and intellectual mobility. As such, it is important to provide Internet access to more individuals and to provide Internet content in more accessible ways.
There are several possible methods to accomplish broader Internet information dissemination. First, in most areas of the world, the Internet is only accessible through private companies and is considered a relatively expensive luxury. By providing government-sponsored Internet access, a greater digital equality can be obtained. This would largely be sponsored in the same way public education and the public library systems are. Just as the public library system provides free and equal access to the wealth of historical information, a public Internet system would provide equal access to modern information. This has occurred in some cities with municipal programs but should be undertaken on a much larger and global level. Second, information should be made more accessible. Currently, the Internet is largely inaccessible to those with mental and/or physical disabilities and to those without proper training. Strides should be taken through education of content creators and providers to increase the accessibility of Internet information. Third, Internet access should be provided on more platforms. Expensive desktops and laptops are not prerequisites for Internet access. #bubblec('It is estimated that in 2007', 'Where and by whom? Its always a good idea to add references for such factual statements; Try to avoid pointers-to-nowhere whenever possible and be as accurate as possible') over three billion people not only had access to but also actively used cell phones. By providing better support for Internet information on mobile devices, the traditional infrastructure demands of hard-wired Internet access can be avoided and Internet usage can be taken advantage of to a larger population. Broader Internet access is not necessarily difficult to achieve but will take the support of large organizations or governments to realize globally.
The Digital Divide and The CLever Project
The CLever Project directly addresses the issues posed by the digital divide by attempting to help make digital technology more accessible, usable, and practical to those with cognitive disabilities. By creating applicable assistive technologies, the CLever Project accomplishes several simultaneous goals. Initially, the project exposes newer technologies to those with cognitive disabilities that might otherwise not use them. By doing so, the user gains not only familiarity but also training on how to interact and successfully use digital technologies. This exposure can then possibly lead to incremental usage of more advanced and complex systems. The project also provides the reverse information flow. By aggregating complex data and systems, such as the GPS coordinates of the various buses, and providing the information in a meaningful way, the CLever Project allows the end user access to the same information made available to others without cognitive impairment. By supplementing his or her abilities, the project expands both the physical and digital access of the end user and diminishes the gap between those with cognitive disabilities and those without.
Resources
http://www.ed.gov/Technology/digdiv.html
http://www.internetworldstats.com/links10.htm
http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKL2712199720070627
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/digital-divide.html
