Internet and the Great Digital Divide

¶ … digital age is coming and soon everyone will have affordable access to the internet. At least that is the hopeful message of some. In reality, the digital age is still not accessible to many and may not be for years to come. This could be due to several reasons. Some of which may lie in racial disparities, income, and availability of affordable internet service.

Regardless of whether or not the digital age has created a divide among those that have access to the internet and those that do not, researchers have formed their own opinions on the issue, with some agreeing and other disagreeing with the term, "digital divide." " From the article, "The Persisting Racial Digital Divide in Internet Access," racial disparities are examined within the context of home internet access and computer ownership. The author says such a racial shortfall may have a significant influence on black students' chances for higher education.

Possessing information or access to information plays an integral role within the advancement of a group or an individual. Those that have a hold on superior information are those that become successful and powerful. The author suggests that by blacks and other non-white populations not having access to such knowledge, they are at a disadvantage. The author adds, "People with little information, or with access only to information doled out by the powerful, tend to be on that account powerless and unsuccessful" (Anonymous, 2010).

Those that have knowledge function at the top of the political and economic pyramid within almost any society. To some extent this is true as many of the developed nations have the most power economically and politically. However, simply having access to information does not equate to success and power. While racial disparities in the digital age create a difficult environment for people of color, access to knowledge is not necessarily the deciding factor. Especially when computers and the internet are being made available at cheaper prices than ever before.

In another article by Jaob Vigdor, educational disparities are discussed among the rich and poor as it relates to access to computer technology in the home. Vigdor states that while there are assumptions that giving access to computers and internet access in the home could improve the way students perform in school, this is not the case when implemented. When poor students are given access to high-speed internet service, and are introduced to home computer technology, evidence suggests it widens instead of narrows reading and math achievement gaps. " ..

we also demonstrate that the introduction of home computer technology is associated with modest but statistically significant and persistent negative impacts on student math and reading test scores" (Vigdor & Ladd, 2010). Instead of helping the situation of educational disparities among the rich and poor by providing universal access to high speed internet and home computers, it only worsens it. This could be for a number of reasons. The first would be media and entertainment.

Students who never had high speed internet and gain it can now have access to services they did not have before. Services that stream their favorite music, shows, and movies all for low prices. Instead of children being glued to the television sets, they are glued to the computer screen. The second is social media. Social media exists mainly on the internet and creates an addictive atmosphere where youth become obsessed with observing others and sharing their own personal life.

So while access to knowledge could play a role in the success of a person, this is only but a small part to a much bigger puzzle. Vigdor presented the counterargument to the other piece. He suggested that educational disparities worsen with the introduction of home computer technology and high-speed internet access. The next article on implementing ways to close the digital divide and provide those that want knowledge, a way to truly access it. Public libraries have evolved in recent years.

Now many public libraries broadband internet and computer access. This not only helps those that cannot afford internet a place to access the internet and access a computer, but it also address America's "digital divide" by granting those that do not have it, a way to access information online. "According to library statistics, in the last fiscal year, computer usage at CCPL's three branches has increased 67%!" (Krebeck, 2010).

Public access computing can very well be a means of narrowing not only the digital divide, but provide opportunities for those wishing to learn a more structured place for learning. Unlike the home where students may not be willing to focus on studying or doing their work, the library offers a quiet and safe place where people can come and read or do their homework. This was seen before the advent of the digital age.

It only makes sense that the library is being used again as a vehicle for learning. Home use of computers does not lead to educational equality or.