1. DEFINITION OF “DIGITAL DIVIDE(S)”
EDUC W200 Week 15

2. DEFINITION OF DIGITAL DIVIDE(S)
• The definition has evolved over time (two definitions)
• Both are still valid
Definitions:
1. Late 1990s: Division of access to digital technology
(hardware) and information technology (internet and
software) among people in world.
2. Mid 2000s. A further division among people who have
access technology. People who consume information
technology versus people who contribute to information
technology.
EDUC W200 Week 15

3. DEFINITION OF DIGITAL DIVIDE(S)
• Initially the division of access
to Internet and technology
was simple: the North-South
divide in the world. The North
had more access than the
southern parts of the world
Countries with access to the
• But as the Internet was able Internet (2009)
to be accessed via cell phones Think about it
and other mobile devices, the What possible consequences will
.
traditional North South Divide this cause?
on the world map shifted.
EDUC W200 Week 15

4. DEFINITION OF DIGITAL DIVIDE(S)
• This is not just a difference between “haves” and
“have nots” (first definition)
o But this is still an issue
o different types of access do affect the educational
experience
• Difference between consumers and producers, or the
influenced and the influencers (second definition)
EDUC W200 Week 15

5. DEFINITIONS: DISCUSSION
Discuss the following (and report as your instructor
requests):
1. When you were in school, what differences in access did
you see (it’s OK if you did not see them)
2. What do you think you will experience in schools when you
start teaching in terms of the levels of access that your
students will have?
EDUC W200 Week 15