Digital Inequality Commission Proposal for North Carolina Board of Education

1. Digital Inequality CommissionProposal for North Carolina Board of Education Members: CrissyJastzabski Michelle Dansereau Johnson

2. What is the “Digital Divide?” • It is the inequality that exists in information technology …usually inequality centers around access (many different types of access). • “Have” and “Have Nots” of technology • “Haves”- educated, upper income families, white and Asian families • “Have Nots”- uneducated, low income, African American and Latin Families Reference: (Valdez & Duran, 2007)

3. What is the Digital Divide? • Van Dijk says the digital divide involves 4 areas of concern: • “Lack of elementary digital experience caused by lack of interest, computer anxiety, and unattractiveness of the new technology (“mental access”).” • “No possession of computers and network connections (“material access”).” • “Lack of digital skills caused by insufficient user friendliness and inadequate education or social support (“skills access”). “ • “Lack of significant usage opportunities (“usage access”).” Reference: Dijk & Hacker,2003 , pg. 1-2)

4. What is the status of the digital divide in the United States? Racial Divide (2002) • 60% of whites and Asians use the internet • Compared to 39.8% African Americans and 31.6% Latinos (Valdez & Duran, 2007) Poverty Divide (2003) • 5.5 students per computer in poorer school vs. 4.6 students in affluent schools (Valdez & Duran, 2007) • “Only 43 percent of households with annual incomes less than $25,000 had broadband Internet access at home. A quarter (24 percent) of households without Internet services say they do not subscribe because service is unaffordable.” (Bates, Malakoff, Kane, & Pulidindi, 2012, p.3)

5. What are the implications of the digital divide? “There is a strong common belief that people who have access to and the skills to use the Internet are (1) more successful economically, with respect to education, jobs, earnings, (2) socially participate more in terms of political and civic engagement, (3) and receive more government services and other public goods than those who do not.” Reference: (Ortiz & Tapia, 2007)

6. PROPOSAL #1 Install computers in all public libraries in the state and expand the hours when the computers are available. Possibilities to decrease the divide: • Cost effective • Infrastructure already present to reach a large number of people • “8,915 central and 7,383 branch libraries covering the whole country” (Chaudhuri & Flamm, 2006 , pg. 256) • “Over 95% of America’s public libraries now provided their communities with free access to the Internet, training, and related services.” (Stevenson, 2009, p.15) • No need to target specific segments of society because the population is self selecting (Chaudhuri & Flamm, 2006 ) • Allows for computer skills learning • “These include using a basic operating system; using a word processor to create a text document; using the Internet to find information and resources; using a computer to communicate with others; and using instructional materials to learn how to use new applications and features.” (Stevenson, 2009, p.15)

7. PROPOSAL #1 Install computers in all public libraries in the state and expand the hours when the computers are available. Limitation on Public Library Access • Requires access to transportation that some people may not have access to (esp. low income) (Tomasello & McClure, 2002) • Expensive and lack of trained librarians to help provide instruction in needed skills for computer literacy. (Tomasello & McClure, 2002) • Lack of time to help information literacy because also responsible for books, videos, and all other services at library .(Tomasello & McClure, 2002) • May not reach desired population because the majority of library users are middle class and educated (Chaudhuri & Flamm, 2006 ).

8. Proposal #2Expand staffing and other resources so that public schools can be open to the public after normal school hours, on weekends, and during the summer months. Advantages: • Ability to provide for a wide range of student populations (racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, etc.) (Tomasello & McClure, 2002) • Widespread presence allows for access to urban and rural settings (Tomasello & McClure, 2002) • Technical staff already employed with training skills (Tomasello & McClure, 2002) • Average pay of $40 per hour for 1 computer technician and $10 per hour for two custodians, based on Wake County Public Schools pay scales. Estimated total cost for all needs : $150 per hour (Wake County Public Schools, 2012) • Few additional expenses for facility because schools remain lit, heated, and computers usually plugged in during non school hours

9. Proposal #2Expand staffing and other resources so that public schools can be open to the public after normal school hours, on weekends, and during the summer months. Disadvantages: • Additional staffing needs (Tomasello & McClure, 2002)

10. PROPOSAL #3Provide individuals in disadvantaged communities with computers. Advantages: • “Studies show that children who have access to computers and the Internet at home have higher self-esteem as a result of developing new skills and taking a pro-active approach to learning and exploring their interests.” (Network for good, 2011) • Allows access to computer for those that low income would not be able to afford one. • Increased academic performance -School in Mooresville, NC drastically improved test scores by giving every student an I-pad ($20 Million) (NPR, 2013)

11. PROPOSAL #3Provide individuals in disadvantaged communities with computers. Disadvantages: • No access to internet services • No training in computer skills available • Essential to have up to date software ( Valadez & Duran,2007)

12. Proposal #4Provide high-speed Internet and mobile access for all state residents Advantages: • Low cost and easy installation (the more people who use it, the more economical it becomes) (Ortiz & Tapia 2008) • Increased social benefits (increased jobs) (Boa, 2010) • Huge impact on low income population (helps with job searches and getting ideas for starting their own businesses) (Bates, Malakoff, Kane, & Pulidindi, 2012) • High speed access encourages people to “explore and play” in contrast to traditional dial up access (Robinson, 2009)

13. Proposal #4Provide high-speed Internet and mobile access for all state residents Disadvantages: • Need computer equipment and training • Many will not utilize the internet because of lack of technology skills • Targeted population does not see the value of the internet and therefore do not use it • Many see the internet as irrelevant or waste of time (Bates, Malakoff, Kane, & Pulidindi, 2012)

14. Proposal #5Subsidize Internet Service Providers to provide low-cost Internet to all state residents Advantage: (Same as option 4) • Low cost and easy installation (the more people who use it, the more economical it becomes) (Ortiz & Tapia 2008) • Increased social benefits (increased jobs) (Boa, 2010) • Huge impact on low income population (helps with job searches and getting ideas for starting their own businesses) (Bates, Malakoff, Kane, & Pulidindi, 2012)

15. Proposal #5Subsidize Internet Service Providers to provide low-cost Internet to all state residents Disadvantage: • Must accurately target the population in need of the services (Chaudhuri & Flamm, 2006 ) • Targeted population does not see the value of the internet and therefore do not use it • Many see the internet as irrelevant or waste of time (Bates, Malakoff, Kane, & Pulidindi, 2012) • Even subsidized services may be too expensive for targeted population

16. Proposal #6Provide information literacy courses to enhance computer skills and enable knowledgeable use of digital technologies. • Relieves the anxiety that may prevent populations from using the technology resources (ex. Older populations) (Dijk & Hacker,2003 , pg. 1-2 • Increases motivation for using technology • Offers economic improvement for low income and access to higher paying jobs that involve 21st century skills

17. Proposal #6Provide information literacy courses to enhance computer skills and enable knowledgeable use of digital technologies. • Must have access to equipment for skills to be practiced • Must have infrastructure to support training Example: Microsoft initiative “Elevate America” -Worked with 32 states and gave 880,000 free vouchers for technology training to unemployed and unskilled employees (Danna, 2011) -Only 31% of vouchers were used as a result of lack of broadband access and adequate infrastructure to handle the numbers seeking the training (Danna, 2011)

18. Proposal #7Develop 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 Advantages: • Increased motivation for lower income users to access the computer and internet • Increased motivation because content addresses need of target population • “The Children’s Partnership’s March 2000 report on online content suggested that people, in particular those with low incomes, would prefer to have local information on the Web. Items people would like to see more frequently are employment, educational opportunities, and business development prospects.” (Horton, 2004, p. 22) • Increased skill set gained • College education for disadvantaged youths - NC has a high school and community college partnership that allows economically disadvantaged students to take college courses online and acquire technical degrees (Robinson, 2009) • Content can be made easier to comprehend and navigate • “The Web sites would be picture (graphic) heavy in order to make them easy to navigate and understand. The neighborhood could then have pages translated or even written in languages other than English based on the needs of the neighborhood.” (Horton, 2004, p. 22)

19. Proposal #7Develop 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 Disadvantages: • Access to computer equipment and internet are still needed • Research needed to target specific types of content that would be interesting and beneficial for target population

20. Alternatives not mentioned • Cybermobiles Moving truck that provides technology access to communities that may lack transportation to access resources • Public Housing Model Provides internet, computers, and training to those living in public assisted living • Community Technology Centers Community center that provides access and training • Community Networks Community members partner to provide free access among other things • Public Access Kiosks Stations in variety of places such as malls that offer internet access and computer access • Non-profit cyber cafes Reference: (Tomasello & McClure, 2002)

21. Proposal Rankings 1st Option: Expand staffing and other resources so that public schools can be open to the public after normal school hours, on weekends, and during the summer months Rationale: Provides both computer access , internet access, and training possibilities with existing infrastructure and limited additional costs- wide spread access within the community 2nd Option: Install computers in all public libraries in the state and expand the hours when the computers are available Rationale: Provides both computer access , internet access with existing infrastructure and limited additional costs- wide spread access within the community 3rd Option: Provide information literacy courses to enhance computer skills and enable knowledgeable use of digital technologies. Rationale: Some access points already exist for internet and computer access (such as public library) but they are not being utilized due to computer anxiety and/ or lack of technology know how 4th Option: Provide high-speed Internet and mobile access for all state residents -Rationale: Internet is essential for population to experience all of the benefits of computers

22. Proposal Rankings 5th Option: 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. Rationale: Can be a motivational point to encourage low income and target populations to try to access the technology that is available 6th Option :Provide individuals in disadvantaged communities with computers. Rationale: Computer access is the most basic element and costs of computers are decreasing and becoming more affordable 7th Option: Subsidize Internet Service Providers to provide low-cost Internet to all state residents. Rationale: Least promise for effecting the digital divide because it still places a burden on the low income population and doesn’t resolve any other challenges faced by the population

23. Committee Recommendation • Our Committee recommends the expanding staff and other resources so that public schools can be open to the public after normal school hours, on weekends, and during the summer months • This option would not utilize all of the $50 million dollars allowed for the project. • We recommend that the remaining funds be spent on special workshops to be held during the expanding hours that would teach skills and motivational technology uses for low income, Latino (language challenged populations), and other target populations

24. State Technology Standards Addressed by the Committee Recommendations NETS standard for students: • Greater students access during after hours will create greater collaboration and communication because students will have access to email, edmodo, facebook, and various other social networks • Students will gain greater technology operation skills as a result of greater access and the workshops that will be offered • Students will have greater opportunities to research and explore ideas NETS standards for teachers: • Workshops could also benefit the teachers and serve as professional development

25. References • Bao, G. (2010, July 20). U.S. gov't urged to subsidize broadband internet access to low income families. English.news.cn . Retrieved from http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-07/20/c_13405200.htm • Bates, K., Malakoff, L., Kane, S., & Pulidindi, J. (2012). Closing the digital divide: promoting broadband adoption among underserved populations. ICF International, Inc., Retrieved from http://www.nlc.org/Documents/Find City Solutions/Researchinnovation/Infrastructure/Closing_Digital_Divide_Promoting_Broadband_Adoption_Underserved_Populations.pdf . • Chaudhuri, A., & Flamm, K. (2006). Is a computer worth a thousand books? Internet access and the changing role of public libraries. Review of Policy Research, 23(1), 249-266. • Danna, N. (2011, April 27). Elevate america reveals that some communities lack adequate computers and bandwidth for an effective training program. Government Technology: Soluions for state and local government. Retrieved from http://www.govtech.com/health/Microsoft-Program-Reveals-Digital-Divide.html. • Horton, J. (2004). Is the Serpent Eating Its Tail? The Digital Divide and African Americans. Journal Of Technology Studies, 30(4), 17-25. • Network for good. (2011). Retrieved from http://www1.networkforgood.org . • NPR. (2013). Obama to push jobs, education at N.C. middle school. Morning Ed. June 6, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2013/06/06/189113954/obama-to-push-jobs-education-at-n-c-middle-school

26. References (continued) • Ortiz, J., & Tapia, A. (2008). Keeping promises; municipal communities struggle to fulfil promises to narrow the digital divide with municipal-community wired networks. The Journal of Community Informatics, 4(1), Retrieved from http://ci-journal.net/index.php/ciej/article/view/436/400 . • Robinson, L. (2009). A taste for the necessary A Bourdieuian approach to digital inequality. Information, Communication & Society, 12(4), Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13691180902857678#preview • Stevenson, S. (2009). Digital divide: A discursive move away from the real inequities. The Information Society, 25, 1-22. • Tomasello, T., & McClure, C. (2002). Public libraries and internet public access models: Describing possible approaches. Public Library Quarterly, 21(3), 11-35. • Valadez, J., & Duran, R. (2007). Redefining the digital divide: Beyond access to computers and the internet. The High School Journal, Feb/March, 31-44. • Van Dijk, J., & Hacker, K. (2003). The digital divide as a complex and dynamic phenomenon. The Information Society, 19, 315-326. • Wake County Public School System. (2012). http://www.wcpss.net/careers/salary-schedules/