|
[ Closing ] The Digital Divide does not seem to be the biggest issue facing our society, and is not the factor that will make or break the education of our children. It has become just another factor that ultimately leads us to look at the racial and income inequalities in society, and wonder where we can do better. Some would champion access at home, in our schools, or even everywhere, as a fix to the Digital Divide; but could it be even more simple than that? At a fundamental level, income inequality could be the most plausible explanation for the gap. Computers remain a relatively luxury item for the population at large. A family trying to scrape together enough money for food, or for gas to get to work each day, is not inclined to spend $1,000 on a computer, nor can it spare $20/month for Internet access. Yet their children are progressively getting greater access to both computers and the Internet through schools and libraries. With a seeming natural convergence occurring, might we in fact hinder progress that is proceeding without our interference? Thank you for taking the time to read my essay here. If you would like to add your own comments
about my essay or to this debate, please proceed to Sound
Off, my discussion
page for you to share your ideas with others, and read theirs in turn.
|