Digital Divide and inequalities

1. Digital Divide and inequalities Joni Fowler AND Ashley Dundas

2. Comparing the Terms Digital Divide Digital Inequality Digital Inequality focuses on how users use the technology instead of the individual income level, age, race, or education, restricted accessibility. • The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have and do not have access to technology.

3. Option 1 Install computers in all public libraries in the state and expand the hours when the computers are available. In addition to this alternative, paid trainers in libraries or other community meeting areas would be beneficial. This is a strong alternative.

4. Option 2 Expand staffing and other resources so that public schools can be open to the public after normal school hours, on weekends, and during summer months. This is a weak alternative because this would become very costly as we are within budget. Also, during the summer months these devices and materials are under maintenance. Once opening up access to expensive technology there is risk of mistreatment and theft.

5. Option 3 Provide individuals in disadvantaged communities with computers. This alternative is also weak because it is very costly and doesn’t ensure that the digital inequality is addressed. The technologically disadvantaged need training on how to operate the equipment and training must enhance the following disparities:

6. Option 4 Provide high-speed internet and mobile access or all state residents. This is a weak alternative because in order to use high-speed internet, one would need a device that allows them to connect to the Internet. This option does not benefit those without computers. It is also costly for the state to provide high-speed Internet to all residents.

7. Option 5 Subsidize Internet Service Providers to provide low-cost Internet to all state residents. This option is weak. It is still costly, though not as costly as Option 4. It does not educate people on Internet use. Lack of education is an indicator amongst those that do not use internet.

8. Option 6 Provide information literacy courses to enhance computer skills and enable knowledgeable use of digital technologies. This alternative is strong for the following reasons: Click the icon below

9. Option 7 Develop free online educational content, giving first priority to content most relevant to lower socio-economic groups before content that is relevant to the rest of the public. This option is strong because it helps to build equality. Research shows that 89% of US households with more than $75,000 have broadband access at home. Therefore, their needed training may not be as high.

10. Alternatives to consider Provide seniors with opportunity to use the Internet. Along with lack of education and low household income, age is a strong negative predictor of Internet use. Libraries can hold classes that teach seniors proper Internet use.

11. Conclusion Options 1, 6, and 7 are the strongest alternatives. Installing computers in libraries, along with paid trainers addresses both the digital divide and inequalities. Providing literacy courses and developing free online educational content will also benefit residents lack knowledge of Internet usage. Research shows that age is also an indicator of who isn’t using Internet, therefore age needs to be considered in order to close the divide and address inequalities.

12. Bibliography • Smith, A. (2012, April 13). Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project. Retrieved June 5, 2013, from http://pewinternet.org/~/media/Files/Reports/2012/PIP_Digital_differences_041312.pdf