2. What is “digital divide”?
• Digital divide: A descriptive term referring to the gap
between those who have ready access to and knowledge
of digital technologies and those who do not. Lever-Duffy
Teaching & Learning with Technology, 4th ed.
• Researchers state that even though a record number of
American’s have computer access the number(s) of
people who don’t is also growing.
4. • Blacks & Hispanics are two times
as likely to own computers today
then they were 10 years ago.
• They are only 40% as likely to
have internes access, compared to
a white.
• Native American’s are less likely
to have computer or internet
access.
• The major reason being cost.
The National
Telecommunications
and Transformation
Administration
(NTIA): report
“Falling through the
net as defining the
digital divide.
6. • People in cities are 50% more likely to have
technology access than those is rural areas.
• Economics:
• The more money the more likely to have technology
access.
• Disadvantage communities find laying internet lines cost
prohibitive.
• Lack of interest
• Gender driven:
• Females are less likely than males to utilize computer
technology.
Why?
7. What’s being done?
• The Nation is investing money to provide internet lines to rural areas.
• The Government is creating community technology centers in low income
neighborhoods.
• Multiple organizations are working together to refurbish and recycle used
computers for underprivileged schools and families.
• Technology companies are beginning to provide paid internships to
teachers, so that they can learn and share their knowledge with their
students.
8. Sealing the divide:
It’s all about preparing today’s students for
tomorrow’s technological world.
• Preparing technology
proficient teachers.
• Community support for
technology in classrooms.
• Applying the International
Society for Technology in
Education standards in every
classroom.
www.educationworld.com
