People who use the internet regularly are exposed to a wide variety of subjects, news, and resources which are often taken for granted. People who cannot afford a computer, or internet access, as well as those who do not know why it is valuable, run the risk of being left behind in an age of information. This disparity is the driving force behind underdeveloped nations, under-achieving students, and an under-prepared workforce. The digital divide is one that must be bridged in order to allow the world to move forward on equal footing.
In the textbook Introduction to Digital Literacy, author Mark Bowles states “It is vital to make sure that the world is not divided into a two-class society of “information-haves” and “information-have-nots.” In one important way, the effort to help people become digitally literate will ensure that this will not happen” (Bowles, 2013). Bowles takes the position that digital literacy is key to closing the digital divide. Research presented in the text also indicates that people living in the United States with less than a high school education, households making less than $30,000/per year, those living with disabilities, and senior citizens are all less likely to have the internet in their homes (Bowles, 2013).
The divide as discussed in terms of the United States points out that many jobs in developed nations require computer knowledge. Computers have become rapidly, in historical terms, a vital part of everyday life. “In 1990, 22% of all homes in the United States had a personal computer. This percentage increased to 63% by 2001, and in 2004, nearly 75% of all Americans had Internet access in their homes” (Bowles, 2013). Although this number is high, it indicates that 25% of Americans do not hav...
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...required to use a computer and take the steps required to have access to one. Simply giving everyone on the world a computer and internet will not bridge the divide in those who simply have no interest.
References
Bowles, M. (2013). Introduction to digital literacy. Bridgepoint Education. Retrieved from http://content.ashford.edu/books/AUINF103.13.1/
File, T. (2013, May). Computer and internet use in the united states. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/p20-569.pdf
Lensfeld, J. (2011). An econometric analysis of the sociodemographic topology of the digital divide in europe. Information Society, 27(3), 141-157. doi: 10.1080/01972243.2011.566745
Paravil, G. (2005). The digital divide and increasing returns: contradictions of informational capitalism. Information Society, 21(1), 41-51. doi: 10.1080/01972240590895900
In his essay Mobile Phones, Digital Media and America’s Learning Divide, Professor S. Craig Watkins discusses the different ways that digital media affects the learning divide between middle and low-class students and also students of different races, ethnicities and cultures. Watkins’ purpose in writing this essay is to show how mobile phones are closing the learning divide as well as the digital divide. He uses facts and research that he has gathered as a member of the MacArthur Foundation’s research network on Connected Learning to back up his statements and improve his credibility as an author.
With all the technology today, the Internet is still off-limits to certain people. Everyone does not own a computer and because of this, everyone is not computer literate. Mostly middle and upper class people have their own laptops, or computers, and are able to pay for Internet service. Other people, like student's who use their schools computers or people who go to libraries, are forced to use whatever equipment is available, which is, in most cases, not top of the line and sometimes may or may not have the Internet. Soon this world will be computer-based and if you do not have your own computer or at least access to one, you will be behind. The Internet is an important part of computers considering the many uses it offers.
However, think about the evolution of literacy and the different ways in which children and people learn and retrieve information; this definition could also include interaction with the digital text. There is a wide range as to what counts as literacy such as blogging, social networking, emailing, digital storytelling, online chats and even shopping online just to name a few. Not everyone will agree with what counts as literacy, but if students are not enlightened on the many aspects of what could make them valuable assets in the future; that would be negligent. In Rich’s article digital literacy is being discussed which is the topic this response will focus on. Learning is not restricted only to the classroom. Just like books, the Internet can take you places, on advantages without having to leave home. Digital literacy can be beneficial with the proper guidance of teachers, educators and
As this critical juncture begins to take place, there has been much debate between scholars as to whether we should be enthusiastic or wary of these new changes. In Digital Disconnect and in his lectures, McChesney observes both views in an attempt to advance the discussion. On one side, the celebrants are embracing the Internet as a medium that will change society for the better. In Digital Disconnect, McChesney says, “In sum, the celebrants reaffirm one of the most important original arguments from the 1990s, that the Internet will be a force for democracy and good worldwide, ending monopolies of information and centralized control over communication” (McChesney 8). In my opinion, this celebrant view should only be regarded as a best-case scenario because of the unexpected obstacles for society that can...
Imagine you are at the Super Bowl to cheer on your favorite team in competition. As they march onto the field you and everyone in attendance jump to their feet with a deafening roar. However, as your team lines up you notice that they are not wearing any equipment, not one piece. How would you expect to compete against the other team who has the necessary pads, shoes, and protective gear needed for this game? When we do not address the issue of digital divide in schools and districts we are doing this very same scenario with our children’s education. Gone are the days of factory workers replaced by researchers, computer programmers, and scientists. The jobs of the 21st century are going to require critical thinking and problem solving,
Society is currently in a period of rapid technological change. Computers are becoming a household item as well as a highly advanced tool for most every workplace. The entire world is interlinked through the Internet and information is being transferred across the globe in a matter of seconds. Computers are getting smaller and quicker and the amount of information they can store is getting larger. In this information society that we are becoming, a new advanced form of literacy threatens to debilitate anyone who refuses to step into the computer age. Computer illiteracy endangers not only the individual but our nation’s economy. Whether you like it or not, computers are the new language and those who refuse to accept this will be left in the dust . Computer illiteracy must be addressed now or there will be a whole new population of specialized illiterates in America.
Children today are not born with an umbilical cord, but a computer cord. Kids aren’t the way they use to be. How many times have you caught yourself thinking or saying this? Theories today believe that children form these generations are actually different, meaning their brains are different from when we were children. What can we do about it, or should we do anything at all? This paper will examine children today and the difference between the generations. Secondly, due to the difference in generations, the importance of maintaining social interaction, critical thinking and problem solving skills, which, are just as important as technical fluencies for the 21st century. In order to maintain the “humanity” skills, I will discuss the importance of Daily Physical Activity (DPA). Furthermore, the paper will also examine the importance of building a bridge between the digital divide. It is necessary to examine the educational system and the digital divide. Children are engulfed in a digital world and have different experiences and environment. How do we build a bridge between the technical fluencies and the humanity skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century?
The use of the Internet has exploded in the past few decades, and the age of the user is swiftly declining as well (Greenfield, Patricia, and Zheng Yan). “The spread of Internet access has been described as nine times faster than that of radio, four times faster than the personal computer, and three times faster than television” (Shields, Margie, and Behrman 5). The Internet has woven itself into people’s daily lives and has really changed culture in numerous ways. It has helped make education more accessible, especially to those in developing countries. Specifically, it has brought life saving health practices and information to those who otherwise would have gone without it. Also, children who need extra help learning, like kids with special
Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 2013. Print.
It seems like many people use or have access to the internet. Unfortunately, this is not the case due to many varying factors. The gap between the low-income and the high-class is widening making it impossible to afford internet access. People who can’t afford internet access, most likely can’t afford a computer. Meinrath, Losey and Lennett (2011) mention why achieving digital equality is more complex than it seems. Fung (2013) discusses in further detail why those who access the internet using their smartphones (mobile device) only limit themselves to what mobile internet provides. Cohen (2010) and Unknown Author (2011) discuss why the elderly play an important part in the digital divide. These factors only feed into the digital divide that somehow needs to be addressed. Rusli and Clark (2013) provide a good example of what can be done to address this matter.
Imagine someone born in the early 1900’s entering a modern-day classroom. They would likely be confused as to what televisions, computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices are. It is also likely that they would be overwhelmed by the instant access to information that the internet provides. Digital media has become a large part of people’s everyday lives especially with the rise of digital media in classrooms. Digital media is growing so rapidly that people who are not adapting to this shift in culture are falling behind and becoming victims of the “digital divide”, this is leaving people misinformed. Digital media has a large effect on the way that people communicate, this is especially evident in the way that students interact with
Miller, C., & Bartlett, J. (2012). 'Digital fluency': towards young people's critical use of the internet. Journal of Information Literacy, 6(2), 35-55.
Surveying the Digital Future: How the PC and Internet are changing the world. (1999, June). Los Angeles, CA: UCLA Center for Communication Policy.
In 1937 the electronic computer was born. Computers were in 1943 to break “the unbreakable” German Enigma codes. 1951 introduced the computer commercially. However, it wasn’t until around 1976 when the Apple II was introduced and it was immediately adopted by high schools, colleges, and homes. This was the first time that people from all over really had an opportunity to use a computer. Since that time micro processing chips have been made, the World Wide Web has been invented and in 1996 more than one out of every three people have a computer in their home, and two out of every three have one at the office.
At just a quarter of a century in governing regulations, listening to complains and making recommendations, while maintaining the standards of the laws of Jamaica as it is concerned with the media. There is one inevitable aspect the Broadcasting Commission has to continuously keep abreast with, and that is change.