An Overview Of The Digital Divide

An Overview Of The Digital Divide This essay defines and addresses the significance of the digital divide providing evidence to support its existence in the United States. It analyzes findings from various inquiry shrouds and case studies identifying factors that cause the divide. The digital divide is a engineering science transgress between the readys and the have-nots. As a result of these gaps, 21st century learners will pin further behind and will not be able to reap the full benefits of our fast-growing technology driven society. The digital divide is the technology gap between people with glide path to digital and information technology and those with limited or no plan of attack (NTIS, 1998). The digital divide is often referred to as the technology gap between the haves and the have-nots. There ar many factors that inhibit student access to computers and the internet. There is a digital divide among computer and internet access by race, income, reproduction and loc ation, as well as physical disabilities (Fourie Bothma, 2006). Research shows that Caucasian Americans access to digital and information technology at 46.1% nearly double that of African Americans at 23.5% and Hispanic Americans at 23.6%. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders exceed all racial/ethnic groups at 56.8% (Athena Alliance, 2001). Minority groups are at a disadvantage when it comes to having access to computers and the internet but it is not because they are minorities. Their limited access is because they are at a socio-economic disadvantage due to lower education levels and poorer incomes (Solomon, 2002). The technology gap by race seems to be closing world-shakingly. This is due to the availability of computers and internet access at schools, libraries and community centers. Yet, there is still a technology gap in low-income and rural communities. Socio-economic factors play a major role in the technology gap between students. Poverty remains a major factor that limit s students access to technology. Only 35% of households in lower socio-economic groups have internet access while 59% of middle income groups, 73% of amphetamine middle income groups, and 83% of those in top income groups have access to the internet (Gartner Group, 2000). Now more than ever, unequal adoption of technology excludes many from reaping the fruits of the economy. Sectors of the population are excluded from the power and the economical benefits offered (Fourie Bothma, 2006). Divisions among the population are not just due to income but also location. There is a digital divide by geographic location. For students in high-poverty and rural areas, libraries can be the only way to get online (Barack, 2005). A digital divide separates rural America from the rest of the nation when it comes to broadband internet use and access. Only 24% of adults in rural America have high-speed internet access, compared to 38% of urban Americans and 40% of suburban Americans who have access (Perkins, 2006). Efforts are being made by the government and the private sector to increase connectivity in rural America. People with disabilities typeface a significant digital divide as well. Despite regular increases, both metro and non-metro people with disabilities have lower rates of internet use than their geographic counterparts with no disability (Dobransky, 2006). Surveys consistently report that people with disabilities have only half the rate of internet access of people without a disability (RTC, 2006). Obstacles that Americans with disabilities face entangle how costly adapted hardware and software can be, limited locations for internet access, workplace internet access maybe unavailable because of unemployment, and internet content may be frustrating because sites are not accessible to people using assistive technology (NTIS, 2000). Educators at all levels must keep up with the digital world inhabited by a new type of learner whose worldview is often developed th rough surfing the web, instant-messaging, and online activities like video games or favorable networking sites like Facebook and Myspace (Menard, 2008). To level the playing field for these 21st century learners or digital natives, we must bridge the technology gap that exists among these students by racial/ethnic, socio-economic, educational and geographical factors, as well as limited accessibility due to physical disabilities. According to Menard (2008), todays young people were born into the Internet era and face a life saturated by digital media. Their interaction with technology will deeply affect the way these learners interact with their environment. To be successful in todays technology driven society, students must have equal access to computers and information technology. ReferencesBarack, L. (2005). Gauging the digital divide. School Library Journal, 51(8), 21. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from Research Library. (Document ID 882387801).Dobranksky, K. Hargittai, E. (2006) . The disability divide in Internet access and use. Information, Communication Society, 9, 3, 313-334.Fourie, I. Bothma, T. (2006). Addressing the digital divide in teaching information retrieval A theoretical view on taking students from ICT access to knowledge sharing. The Electronic Library, 24(4), 469-489. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from Research Library. (Document ID 1142659581).Gartner Group (2000). The digital divide and American society. obtainable http//www.3gartner.comMenard, J. (2008). high ed responds to the digital generation. The New England Journal of Higher Education, 23(1), 13. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID 1529959711).NTIA (1998). Falling through the net Defining the digital divide. NTIA No. PB99156614 Available http//www.ntia.doc.gov/NTIA (2000). Falling through the net Toward digital inclusion. A report on Americans access to technology tools. NTIA No. PB99144487. Available http//www.ntia.doc.gov/NTIA (2000). Fall ing through the net A survey of the have nots in rural and urban America. Availablehttp//www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/net2/falling.htmlPerkins, B. (2006). Location spawned digital divide can cost you. Realty Times. Available http//realtytimes.comRTC (2006). Disability and the Digital Divide Comparing Surveys with Disability Data. Available http//rtc.ruralinstitute.umt.eduSolomon, G. (2002). Digital equity. 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