Presentation on theme: "Bridging the Digital Divide Lorraine Hinckley. Dr. E. Wilson lecture Spring 1999, UMDCP Changing Sectors of U. S. Economy Agriculture Manufacturing Information."— Presentation transcript:
Bridging the Digital Divide Lorraine Hinckley
Dr. E. Wilson lecture Spring 1999, UMDCP Changing Sectors of U. S. Economy Agriculture Manufacturing Information 1700 Agriculture Manufacturing Information 1850 Africans as slaves Agriculture Manufacturing Information 1950 Agriculture Manufacturing Information 2000 African Americans
What Is the Digital Divide? “In just about every country a certain percentage of the people have access to the best information technology that society has to offer.” Also known as the “haves” Another group of people in the same society lack access to the latest and best technology available in that society. Also known as the “have-nots”
Being on the “have-not” side is like trying to seesaw by yourself. After a while, it would become very frustrating and you would try to figure ways to raise your side.
An Unbalanced Economy Is Problematic The economy cannot operate smoothly with too much wait on the “have not” side. An unbalanced economy needs constant monitoring and readjustment.
Dr. E. Wilson, lecture Spring 1999, UMCP Importance of Stratification As more people fall to the base of U. S. Economy, the whole structure is weakened. The few people at the top pay little in taxes. The people at the base put very little into the legitimated economy. The people in the middle, who pay most of the taxes and do the most buying, are gradually being pushed farther and farther down.
Toffler, page 16 Balance Is Necessary If the U. S. Is to Remain a World Leader. The global competitive race for dominance will be won by the countries that complete their transition into the information age “with the least amount of domestic dislocation and unrest.”
Disadvantages Children who can only access computers in school or in the library are at a disadvantage. –Time limited. –Competition with others waiting to do homework. –Time spent away from family. –Family members deprived of learning opportunity. –Family members deprived of opportunity to help and support children.
Advantages Parents can monitor children. Parents have an opportunity to learn and hone skills. Siblings can be introduced to technology earlier. Familiarity and comfort increase with relaxed exposure. Brighten prospects for future.
NYTimes Feb Disagreements Michael K. Powell, new Republican F.C.C. Chief believes that the term “digital divide” is a dangerous phrase because it could be used to justify government entitlement programs that guarantee poor people cheaper access to new technology.
Computers For Youth (CFY) New York City-based nonprofit that provides home computers to inner-city students and their teachers, one school at a time. Provide ongoing technical support 3 months of WEB access Computers preset to CFY homepage to provide relevancy.
Edgewood Terrace Housing project located in a once crime ridden neighborhood in northeast Washington, D.C. Partnering: –Community preservation & development corporation. –HUD. –Microsoft. –Catholic university of America.
Edgewood Terrace Wired buildings during renovation. 6 computer labs & supported intranet. Home computers or thin- clients for residents. –Computer terminals totally dependent on a network server. –Circumvents need for telephone access.
Edgewood Terrace Once called “little Beirut” crime has sharply decreased. Unemployment decreased from 47% to 33% as of January By 1998, 56 students had graduated from program and 22 earned scholarships to catholic university.
Conclusion If the U. S. Is going to remain the leader of the free world, the whole nation must travel into the new revolution!
Give a child a fish Feed them for a day. Teach a child to fish They can feed themselves for life.