The issue on digital divide has been confronting educational institutions, policy makers and some advocacy groups. Digital divide or digital split is “a social issue referring to the differing amount of information between those who have access to the Internet (specially broadband access) and those who do not have access”. However, a broader definition is not only limited to the internet but also encompasses access to information and communication technologies and to other forms of media available to society.
There are several issues concerning digital divide. Bridging the digital divide is considered important because it represents economic equality. Most community services rely on access to information such as social welfare services and even career options. Researchers have concluded that the real issue about digital divide is not exactly getting access to digital technology, instead, what is essential is the benefits derived from the access. According to Smith, it is quite unfortunate that the low-income masses are given access to digital technology which are “mere localized versions of products and services” (Smith, 2010, par 2). He goes on further by stating that the upper and middle classes get high quality access to digital technology. Consequently, Smith concludes that this situation further widens the digital divide (2010).
Many arguments about digital divide points to the fact that it is a manifestation of more complex social issues such as poverty, racism and inequity. Racial disparity can be exemplified among Latinos in public schools who lack the basic computer literacy skills like basic keyboarding ability. It is therefore necessary to address this issue if there is an intention to bridge the digital divide especially among students.
There are a plethora of issues that surround the digital divide. Foremost among this is the proper definition of digital divide in order that these issues may be properly addressed. Whether it centers on a lack of computer facilities or internet access or a mere lack of information dissemination with regards to technology, it is an issue which requires the attention of educational institutions, government policy makers and other concerned private organizations. The disparity between the rich and the poor is further highlighted by the digital divide, which gives more reason to address the problem. One believes that there should be a universal access to computers and internet access if the government wants to produce graduates who can compete globally in the labor market. Libraries, especially the public ones play a vital role in giving access to computers and the internet to those who cannot afford to have their own facilities. It is therefore important that government funding for public libraries be increased to provide access to a large portion of the population who still remains to be unserved. The private sector has a part too in bridging the digital divide. Computer companies can try to develop products which are more affordable, to make it more within reach by people on a budget. Internet providers can also come up with lower rates or plans so that even students can afford to use the net without being too costly for them or their parents or without having to go to cyber cafes with free Wi-Fi. Indeed, there is a lot more that can be done to tackle the digital divide, but if all sectors of society work hand in hand to fill the gap, digital divide may be a thing of the past.
References
Krebeck, A. (2010, October). Closing the ‘Digital Divide’: Building a public computing center. Retrieved from infotoday.com: http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/oct10/Krebeck.shtml
Miniwatts Marketing Group. (2012, October 27). The Digital Divide, ICT and the 50x15 initiative. Retrieved from internetworldstats.com: http://www.internetworldstats.com/links10.htm
Montiel, P. (2010, October 1). The effect of service learning on LIS students' understanding of diversity issues related to equity of access. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science. Retrieved from readperiodicals.com: http://www.readperiodicals.com/201010/2172793631.html
Shafer, G. (n.d.). Leave no patron behind. Retrieved from krauselabs.net: http://www.krauselabs.net/writings/leave-no-patron-behind-with-gina-shafer/
Smith, C. W. (2010). “Digital Divide” defined (Hint: it’s not about access.). Retrieved from digitaldivide.org: http://www.digitaldivide.org/digital-divide/digitaldividedefined/digitaldivide.html
