Digital Divide

Can We Bridge the Digital Divide?
Jessica Montgomery
INF 103: Computer Literacy
Instructor Murray Denton
April 15, 2013

What is the Digital Divide?

The Digital Divide is a line that separates those that have access to technologies such as computers, cell phones and internet, from those that have no access or limited access to such technologies. This divide is mostly prevalievnt in third world countries, but is not uncommon in the United States. While the United States has the technology to bridge the divide, there is not enough resourses to do this alone. There are many places within the United States that people do not have the means to have such luxuries as home computers and internet. Another factor it seems is race and gender. It is said that caucasion females are 58% more likely to have a computer with internet access than caucasion males, and the gap is even more severe in other third- word countries. This is because technology has not made to these countries because the cost for such technologies is more than the country can pay. There are no clear cut answers as to why females are usually more incline to own computers and have internet access but data shows this is a true phenomenon. (Jackson, 2007) In 1990, only 22% of all homes in the United States had a personal computer. This percentage has increased to 63% by 2001, and in 2004, nearly 75% of all Americans had internet access in their homes. (Bowles, 2010) While this is a start we must get to 100% of all people having internet access in their homes, not just Americans. In order for the digital divide to be bridged fully, everyone must have access to important technology, such as computers and internet. Another factor in the digital divide is education. While today, children are learning the basic fundamentals of computer literacy, older generations have not had that luxury. While this is not an absolute horrific situation, it does show that the older generations are lacking some of the rewards that computers and internet can have. Jobs and education are in high demand to even remotely bridge the divide. There are many adults with less knowledge of how a computer works than most first graders. In order toComputers are complex from a hardware and software perspective, but they are also complex in how they have been integrated into our society. Computers bring positive change, information, and capabilities to those who increasingly rely on them and home and at work. (Bowles, 2010) Many adults who have not been exposed to computers are afraid of the technology. This is because we as humans are afraid of the unknown. While it is quite common to be fearful, if we are to get ahead in careers and education we must make the leap in to the unknown. Those who are on the less fortunate side of the divide lose out in education, training, shopping, entertainment and communications opportunities. (Singh, 2003) Many jobs are now only taking applications online, so those with no access to internet will not have the tools to apply for a job so that they will be able to seek employment. Also now, schools require internet access as part of the curriculum. Those without home computers connected to the internet will either not be able to complete some of their studies, or will have to spend larger amounts of time seeking the tools needed to complete the required work. While school computing environments help to increase computer self-efficacy for all students, these factors do not eliminate the gap between students with and without home computers. (Wei, Teo, Chan, & Tan, 2011) Can the digital divide be bridged? Yes it can, but it will take many years, possibly even decades to generations, but it will also take many future resourses as well as present and past resourses. There are three main steps that must be taken in order to bridge the gap. First, make technology available and affordable. Second, educate everyone on computer and internet literacy and safety. Third, everyone must pull together to fix the divide.

References
Bowles, M. D. (2010). Bridgepoint Education. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUINF103.10.2/sections/sec1.2
Jackson, L. A. (2007). Academics. Retrieved from Hamilton: http://academics.hamilton.edu/ebs/pdf/NDD.pdf
Singh, D. (2003). proquest. Retrieved from Science and Technology.
Wei, K.-K., Teo, H.-H., Chan, H. C., & Tan, B. C. (2011, March). Science and Technology. Retrieved from ProQuest: http://search.proquest.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/science/docview/863644535/13D76D43BD670D0578A/1?accountid=32521

References: Bowles, M. D. (2010). Bridgepoint Education. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUINF103.10.2/sections/sec1.2 Jackson, L. A. (2007). Academics. Retrieved from Hamilton: http://academics.hamilton.edu/ebs/pdf/NDD.pdf Singh, D. (2003). proquest. Retrieved from Science and Technology. Wei, K.-K., Teo, H.-H., Chan, H. C., & Tan, B. C. (2011, March). Science and Technology. Retrieved from ProQuest: http://search.proquest.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/science/docview/863644535/13D76D43BD670D0578A/1?accountid=32521