Digital Divide

Gamma Group

Digital Divide

Digital Inequality
How many of our students and community members does this pertain to?

#1: Subsidize Internet Providers' for Access to All Residents

Pew Internet survey Income disparity Main reasons for no internet Get them using it

#2: Highspeed Access to All Residence Funding for Access:

#3: Equal Access for all Residents...

-Broadband Internet access is increasing except... -29% of Latin Americans have broadband Internet access in their homes. -Broadband users are more likely to search the web than dial-up users.

-Both students and those trying to enter the workforce are greatly affected.

Can the Gap be Closed?

- Cooperation is the key! -Decrease the gap between speed access and decrease the digital divide.

-Find a way to provide more opportunity and access for all residents = Shrinking the digital divide.

#3: Provide Literacy Courses

A Pew Institute research study states: 26% Do not use due to lack of knowledge or ability Mix of online and in person Local schools

Image from http://www.planetofsuccess.com/blog/

# 4: Expand Staffing Resources

Expensive to staff after-school and summer labs Students have many other locations available Traveling to and from school without buses can be problematic

#5: Provide Disadvantages Communities with Computers Families making $30,000 or less: 40% have broadband at home. 55% have computers at home. 15% difference between the two.

Summary - Computers are good, but without

#6: Install computers and library expand hours

Short term solution due to:
increased number of users lack of updated computers insufficient internet connections insufficient library funds staff lack adequate training decreased state funding

#7: Develop Free Online Educational Content for All; especially low income families

Least favorable option Internet access needed for content Focus on main reasons for digital inequality Utilize free content Goal for the future

Alternative: Laptops for Loan

Available for students who need one.

Sources:
Computer and Internet Use by Students in 2003. (2006).Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2006065

Cooper, M. (2004). Expanding the digital divide and falling behind in broadband. Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union. Retrieved from http://www.consumerfed.org/pdfs/digitaldivide.pdf Jansen, Jim. "Pew Research Center Internet & American Life Project." Pew Research Center Internet & American Life Project. n. page. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1809/internet-usage-higher-income-americans> Zickuhr, K. & Smith, A (2011). Digital Differences. Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project. Retreived from http://pewinternet.org/~/media/Files/Reports/2012/PIP_Digital_differences_041312.pdf http://www.fmcrc.org/Floridadigitaldividewhitepaper.pdf