Week 5, Blog #2 Youth & Digital Access

Growing up our household was computer-less. I remember thinking that we would never have a computer. The cost of one was around $5000 during my elementary schooling. With the declining costs of computer equipment in recent years the importance of income has been somewhat reduced but it remains the most important factor for material access because total computer and Internet access costs (peripherals, printing costs, software, subscriptions and connection costs) barely diminish. In poor countries lack of income remains the decisive barrier (Films Media Group, 1999). After the past few weeks of this class and reading about the economic plight of a majority of the world’s population, I can imagine that being part of the techno-age is low on the priorities of underdeveloped countries.

Prior to physical access comes the wish to have a computer and to be connected to the Internet. Many of those who remain at the ‘wrong’ side of the digital divide have motivational problems. With regard to digital technology it appears that there are not only ‘have-nots’, but also ‘want-nots’ (van Dijk, 2006). I think this gap is probably declining as older generations pass on. But I can remember a time when some people felt technology was evil, even going so far as to consider the internet being part of devil worship.

Seeing the children with four computers to a classroom and not having the ability to fulfill class assignments, I can understand the “virtual ghetto” described in the film (Films Media Group, 1999). B. Keith Fulton Director of Technology for the National Urban League discussed the subtle divide between computers being used as a tool to develop thought. In this scenario he purposed that the schools within affluent communities were teaching their students mental stimuli that will allow them to be business owners and leaders (Films Media Group, 1999). He discussed group work and hands on activities that utilize discovery. While on the other hand he described children in impoverished school district were being led by the computers and taught in a drill type mode. I know that schools are barely achieving funding. Perhaps group work is the solution to few computers.

Omar Wasow Tech. Correspondent for MSNBC brought up a valid point. He stated that it’s a troubling notion to place computer literacy above literacy. Teaching children the ability to manipulate a machine does not replace providing them with an education (Films Media Group, 1999). Technology is a tool but it is not the fundamental core involved in the edification of a student. He further added that computers are only as useful as you are able to make good decisions.

APA Reference: 
van Dijk, J. A. G. M. (2006). Digital divide research, achievements and shortcomings. Poetics, 34(4-5), 221-235.

Films Media Group (1999).  Virtual Equality: The Information Revolution and the Inner City.  Films On Demand. Web. 01 July 2011.<http://digital.films.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=15249&xtid=9330>.