THE DIGITAL DIVIDE COURTNEY RAND AND REBECCA CHAPNICK

WHAT IS IT Interaction between human and computers Ability to access computers and internet Refers to the growing gap between underprivileged members who don’t have access to the internet/computers and the wealthy middle class

FACTORS ATTRIBUTING TO IT Digital divide grows at a alarming rate Issues of race, education, poverty Widening along struggling economic/racial lines Lower rates for computer usage-poor Age Kids are growing up with a modern culture, versus adults who were never given those opportunities as children Higher income, white, Asian pacific already connected with technology Adopting new technologies faster and connecting more

SOME CAUSES: Those with computer access are becoming richer from information Socio-economic divides already present makes it harder to close gap Lack of Access due to affordability Lack of knowledge on how to use the technology Lack of knowledge of the benefits of technology

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN Ensure universal internet access More community access centers to access computers and internet at school or work Should be funded Communities need well trained staff to teach others Change view of public regarding technology: not a luxury but necessity If you don’t have access to technology you will be left in the digital ages

If you have technology within the classIf you are left without technology in the class * More efficient* Can’t use a Flipped classroom approach to learning and teaching *Promotes student-centered learning and collaboration *Easier for parents to see what is going on *

QUESTIONS: Do you see Digital divide in your field placement? If there were a digital divide within your classroom, how would you go about overcoming the situation? Who might be responsible for the digital divide?

SOURCES