The digital divide refers to the growing gap between those who have access to information technology like the internet and those who do not. It affects millions globally and is both an economic and civil rights issue. While internet access is taken for granted in developed nations, only a small percentage of people in developing areas are online. Causes of the digital divide include lack of access, relevant content, literacy, education, and community support. Closing the gap is important because internet access correlates with income and opportunities for education and employment, yet disparities exist both within and between countries.

1. The Digital Divide: What Is It And Why It MattersBy Andrew Laubmeier

2. What is the Digital Divide?Any guesses?

3. DefinitionDigital Divide refers to the ever expanding gap between those who have access to information technology (the internet) and those who do not.Affects millions of people throughout the world.Economic & civil rights issue in today’s world.

4. Digital DivideInternet is something we often take for granted.As Americans we enjoy one of the highest per capita internet usage rates on earthInternet is part of our daily lives

5. Everyone Stand Up!Sit down if…

6. Sit Down If…You know how to use Adobe InDesign

7. Sit Down If…You have a Tumblr account

8. Sit Down If…You have a Twitter account

9. Sit Down If…You know how to use Microsoft Word

10. Sit Down If…You have a Facebook Account

11. Point of ExcersiseYou should all be sitting down by nowDisplays how heavily we rely on the Internet & personal computers in everyday lifeThis is certainly not the norm for people on a global scale

12. Digital Divide Across the World

13. Notice anything about dispersion of computer usage on the map?The global north much more technologically advanced than global south. Due to the prominence of majority of first world countries in global north (US, Europe, Japan etc.)In 2004, less than 3 out of every 100 Africans had internet access.Top 20 countries in terms of bandwith make up 80% of all internet users. (TechMission)

14. What causes Digital Divide?Carvin points to 5 main issues 1. Access – People simply don’t have internet access (due to high cost of computers & internet) 2. Content – Internet offers much more than Facebook & shopping, provides outlet for learning 3. Literacy – One can’t use the internet if they can’t read4. Pedagogy – How computers & internet are taught in schools5. Community – People don’t take advantage of community building websites and programs as much as they should

15. Why does it matter?Direct correlation between internet access and income.95% of American households earning $75,000 or more had internet access.Compared to 70% of American households earning less than $75,000 having access (Pew Institute).Internet & computers are essential in higher education and work force.

16. How can Digital Divide be closed?Goal of many activists and philanthropists to even out this massive difference in computer literacy globally.One Laptop Per Child ProgramChairman of OLPC on ColbertMovement in right direction.

17. Get into groups of 3How can you as high school students in the United States help close the Digital Divide?

18. ConclusionDigital Divide is the gap between those who have computer/internet access and those who do notAffects millions of people throughout the globeNumerous causes of itOne day, hopefully will be closed

19. CitationsCarvin. (2000). Mind the Gap: The Digital Divide as the Civil Rights Issue of the New Millenniumhttp://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/363111/october-25-2010/nicholas-negropontehttp://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Better-off-households.aspxhttp://www.urbanministry.org/wiki/international-digital-divide-statisticshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-M77C2ejTw