Pierce Edwards Assignment 2

Digital Divide

The internet and information technology in general have served for the most part to equalize a great number of people. Everyone on the internet (excluding last mile implemented restrictions) has equal access to content, and equal rights when it comes to discussions. With such equalizing technology, it seems incongruous to believe that there exists inequalities in the system. But that is the case in today's world. According to various articles there are two linked factors which lead to these inequalities. The first is lack of access to the internet, and the second is lack of the skills necessary to participate meaningfully on the internet.

Access

It is obvious that if a person is physically unable to access the internet, then they are unable to participate on the internet. Initiatives like the Library Services in Technology Act Grant Program, E-rate Discounts Program exist because people realize the need for ease of access for all members of the public. Statistically, rural and lower income families are less likely to connect to the internet. Not having access at home to internet or high-speed internet severely limits their ability to participate in the information technology revolution. Solutions include free library and school computers that can access the internet without restriction. In places where setting up computer stations is impractical, there are other more creative solutions like the question box.

Barrier to Entry

#bubblec('As has been revealed by statistics', 'By what statistics? Or do you mean the general field of statistics and thus many different studies? -- try to be precise as possible and avoid pointers-to-nowhere to avoid such confusions :)'), access is not the only restriction on use of the internet. It is not enough to just have access, but also to know how to make full use of that access. In Canada, #bubblec('users between the ages of 16 and 17 account for three times', 'In this case, I can guess which of your references states this. It would be even better if you marked factual statements like this with a direct reference to the reference, e.g. (Canadian Internet Usage)') as much internet usage as seniors over 65. This age difference is the result of not only technology access, but programs in place designed to teach people how to use the internet. Since schools and libraries are the most common places for free access, and students are more likely to utilize those areas and schools today are starting initiatives to teach students how to use computers, younger generations are more likely to be familiar with information technology. With acknowledgement of this barrier to entry for users other than students, programs are now starting to appear that will teach non-students how to access the internet effectively lowering the barrier to entry and decreasing the digital divide.

CLever

For some, the digital divide is not just a simple matter of learning how to access the internet and having access. Sometimes it is a matter of disability. The CLever project exists to remove even those barriers and use information technologies to equalize not only access to the information revolution but also the regular world. Projects like web2gether share make it easier to find tools like MAPS and Lifeline which can be used to make what can be difficult problems for the disabled a matter of fact and simple experience. By using these technologies, everyone is able to benefit from the new information age to better their own lives.

Resources:

• What is the digital divide?
• Sudan Smart Schools for bridging the Digital Divide
• Canadian Internet Usage
• Question Box
• CLever