Solutions to Digital Inequality Possible solutions to bridge the gap of digital inequality in `the state of Ohio

Digital Divide vs. Digital Inequality Digital DivideDigital Inequality The gap between those who have access to new technology and those who do not The varying levels of access within the digital divide, which can be found through more in- depth research

Digital Inequality Availability Skill Quality Value Support

7 Suggestions (listed in order of importance) 1.Free High-Speed Internet 2.Computer to Disadvantaged 3.Provide Computer Courses 4.Low-Cost Internet to Residents 5.Free Online Educational Content 6.Expand Technology Resources in Public Schools 7.Computers in all Public Libraries Alternative: Professional Development for Teachers

1. Free High-Speed Internet According to research done by Eszter Hargittai (2003), less than 40% of Americans with a family income of less than $40,000 per year were using the Internet. The percentage of Internet users more than doubles to over 80% when the annual family income is over $75,000. Low income families are more likely to be without Internet access. Provide high-speed Internet and mobile access for all state residents.

2. Computer to Disadvantaged Over half of the households without the Internet have incomes below $30,000 Four out of five of these homes have incomes below $50,000. Provide individuals in disadvantaged communities with computers.

3. Computer Courses Now that the computers and high-speed Internet are available, we can offer courses on how to use it. Use the public schools and libraries to provide these courses. Teach courses through online forums and blogs. Once people learn how to use it they will be more apt to want it at home. Provide information literacy courses to enhance computer skills and enable knowledgeable use of digital technologies.

4. Low-Cost Internet to Residents Budgeting for all of these innovations will be costly. Move to low-cost Internet access after a period of time. Once our residents know how to use the Internet and have become accustomed to life with it, they will be willing to pay a reasonable amount of money for the service. Subsidize Internet Service Providers to provide low-cost Internet to all state residents.

5. Free Online Educational Content This would be available at any time if the community members were not able to get to the courses. This can be an extension off of the computer courses already offered. Develop free online educational content, giving first priority to content most relevant to lower socio-economic groups before content that is relevant to the rest of the public.

6. Expand Technology Resources in Schools Not everyone has a computer and high-speed Internet access at home so it is important to put this access in a centrally located place. Expand staffing and other resources so that public schools can be open to the public after normal school hours, on weekends, and during the summer months.

7. Computers in all Public Libraries Moving to a digital society from a print-based society. Install computers in all public libraries in the state and expand the hours when the computers are available.

Alternative: PD for Teachers While we have the children of the community in the public school classrooms we should be teaching computer skills. In order for these students to learn computer skills, each teacher in the building must develop these skills well enough not only to use them, but also teach them. If we teach the students in school then they will see the importance of technology They may also be able to relay some of the information to family members. Provide professional development opportunities for teachers to learn how to use and teach technology in the classroom.

In closing Closing the Digital Inequality gap is not a one- step task. It is going to take effort, resources and time. By following these recommendations from myself and the Secretary of Public Education, we will be well on our way to bridging the gap and creating a more equal society in terms of the technological ability.

References Cooper, M. (2004). Expanding the digital divide and falling behind in broadband. Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union. Retrieved from DiMaggio, P., & Hargittai, E. (2001). From the 'digital divide' to 'digital inequality:' Studying Internet use as penetration increases. Princeton University Center for Arts and Cultural Policy Studies, Working Paper Series number, 15. Retrieved from DiMaggio, P., Hargittai, E., Celeste, C., & Shafer, S. (2004). From unequal access to differentiated use: A literature review and agenda for research on digital inequality. Social Inequality, Retrieved from Hargittai, E. (2003). The digital divide and what to do about it. New Economy Handbook, Retrieved from US Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology. (2010). Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology. Washington, D.C.