The document discusses the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to the internet and technology versus those who do not. It identifies two main aspects of the digital divide: access to computers and related technologies, as well as technological literacy and the ability to use technologies effectively. The document then discusses some potential solutions to bridging the digital divide, such as government policies, NGO programs to increase digital literacy, and initiatives that provide affordable access through technologies like mobile phones and low-cost laptops.

1. Digital Divide What? Where? Who? An introduction to concepts, issues and some solutions Julie Lindsay for the Flat Classroom Workshop @HK, September 2009

2. Definition The digital divide is a term used to refer to the gap between people who have access to the internet and those that do not. It can also refer to the skills people have – the divide between peoples who are at ease using technology to access and analyze information and those who are not. Taking IT Global

3. Two main aspects Access to computers and related technologies Technological literacy

4. According to Andy Carvin……. It’s the gap that exists between populations in terms of: Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) Literacy skills and ability to use ICTs effectively The availability and accessibility of high quality, relevant content - and opportunities to produce it AKA the ABC’s: A ccess, B asic Skills, C ontent www.digitaldivide.net

5. Crossing the Content Divide Internet access isn’t worth much without content that is... Locally Relevant Culturally Relevant Linguistically Relevant Literacy Level Appropriate Accessible for People with Disabilities

6. Web 2.0: The Read/Write web Bridging the digital divide Everyone is a producer Everyone is a consumer Text, images, video Social networking

7. Internet access globally in 2004

8. Trend for mobile technology in developing countries

9. Digital Divide decrease?

10. Issues Developing countries – poverty, poor infrastructure Old PCs to third world countries – helps to provide hardware….what about literacy? Hardware support and infrastructure Access to online resources

11. Global Digital Divide In today's society, jobs and education are directly related to the internet, in that the advantages that come from the internet are so significant that neglecting them would leave a company vulnerable in a changing market. Economic advantage Social advantage Educational advantage

12. Education and Resources Digital equity through distribution of and access to resources Open-source – FOSS Developed nations have competitive edge Technology makes learning in different ways possible Technology offers a unique opportunity to extend learning support beyond the classroom, something that has been difficult to do until now.

13. Solutions Government policy NGO’s help establish digital literacy programs Community service programs Web 2.0 – Internet with read/write access Social software – engaged communities Mobile computing and wireless access

14. Grameen Phone " One of their best known accomplishments is the digital divide initiative known as the Grameen Phone program. Women are given loans to start small telecom businesses in their home village. They receive a mobile phone and training, then make that phone available to villagers for community use. For villages with no other telecommunications link to the outside world, the Grameen Phone program has created new opportunities for local residents while helping women achieve improved socioeconomic status. ….” Muhammed Yunus and Nobel Peace Prize 2006

15. Hole in the Wall The "Hole in the Wall" project is a testament to the competency and capacity of children to construct their own knowledge in a community of practice. Internet access can connect children to each other and the 21st century.

16. Hole in the Wall

17. XO Laptop - $100 Nicholas Negroponte Catalyst for a new generation of laptops