The Digital Divide

The Digital Divide is affecting many people within the United States in various ways. The Digital Divide is America’s population that has access to technology and the population of people who do not have access to technology. Some are affected by the knowledge of technology and the ability to own such technology. Others have stepped in to a whole new type of digital divide that is between those with high-speed Internet access and those with low-speed Internet access.

There are many types of non-profit organizations that are working to bridge the digital divide. One of these organizations is called Charity in the Community (CITC). It is based out of Chicago and was started seven years ago by Henry Razor. Razor said in the article by Sandra Guy of the Chicago Sun-Times that, “Broadband access is a quality-of-life issue. We see people who stand in line or walk long distances to the library just to fill out a job application or do school work. If people -- and I'm talking in large part responsible people -- cannot afford access, it might as well be available in China."

With this organization a program was started that teaches local residents in the Chicago area the in’s and out’s of the Internet and the Windows operating system in a four month span. The people that have completed this program have gone on to get jobs that satisfy computer experience requirements.

In the article by Guy called Programs open Web access, bridge digital divide stated, “Two studies released last month reveal the need for such programs due to the continued magnitude of the digital divide: A report from the University of Illinois at Chicago revealed nearly 40 percent of Chicagoans have little or no access to the Internet, primarily in low-income and non-native-English-speaking neighborhoods.” That’s why the CITC program is particularly important to the low income and minority households that might not be able to afford such technologies.

Another person dedicated to bridging the digital divide is Andrew J. Vass, who started Technology for Humanity. This program brought the access of technology to minority and underprivileged communities, people with disabilities, and other people in need of technology. Guy stated in her article, “The term "access" means providing a variety of support such as mentors, trainers, internships, computer maintenance and other support networks.”

With this type of support and help from others that have experience in new types of technology more people will be able to begin to learn types of technology and have at least one computer system in their household so that the gap of the digital divide will be lessened.

Podcast 1

Link to my Net neutrality podcast.

http://meridethpack.podbean.com/

Facebook-It's Not Just For Students Anymore

The online world today offers something for everyone. Because the internet is a public domain, it is available for use by all people regardless of age. Today, there are many older and professional people using the internet for personal growth and satisfaction. From online banking and bill paying to personal relationships and networking, mature people are utilizing online technology to enhance their lives.

In our society individuals use outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and My Space to create an identity that defines who they are. Author Charles Cheung talks in the book Web Studies about Identity Construction and Self-Presentation On Personal Homepages. In this he list that a person has three identities. These are reflexive, ascribed, and the virtual identity. Most people that are on Facebook are showing their reflexive identities to friends and acquaintances. A person’s reflexive identity will show how he or she perceives himself or herself at any given time in their life. This identity will change as their roll in life changes. For example, students will use Facebook to communicate with friends, meet new people, or share pictures. A busy mother might chat with friends on an online network to plan events for children, create a carpool schedule, or make plans with other mothers. A busy father might go online to keep up with his families’ activities while he is traveling.

Just as the college student, the busy Mother, and the business professional use the Internet for socialization and to stay organized, mature adults use avenues such as Facebook or other online sites to stay in touch with people and events in the world today. Some use Twitter to voice opinions and learn what others have to say on a variety of topics. Networking sites like Facebook offer an opportunity to locate and renew friendships, share memories and pictures, plan events, and even meet new friends. In her article titled Help! My Mom’s on Facebook and Cooler than me!, Leslie Ventura said “These web sites have woven themselves into the fabric of human nature.”

Many young people are not happy that their parents and Grandparents are now active on these networking sites. We must face the facts. In her article, Ms.Ventura said, “You can run from it or you can embrace it. Either way, the technology we once thought was ours alone is now available to all ages.” Mature adults continue to use more technology in their everyday lives. The ability to learn, to voice opinions, plan financially, and to keep in touch with friends and family is important to people of all ages, from young to mature adult! We must learn to cohabitate in our public domain!