Youth Impacted by the Digital Divide By Shanna Smith

1. Youth Impacted by • the Digital Divide • By Shanna Smith Image retrieved on November 1, 2008 from Google Images: http://www.johncorney.com/2007_11_01_archive.html. Kansas Schools: A comparison WHO is effected by the digital divide?.... The youth populations most effected by the digital gap are the rural and urban poor, and minority groups. The RURAL POOR not only have problems affording home computers and technology, but often times they are not in a location where they can receive broadband services. URBAN POORoften times have the ability to access broadband services at reasonable rates, but they lack the funding and education to deal with technology and computers. Research continues to show, time after time, that MINORITIESstruggle to gain access to technology. Primarily it is Hispanic and African American minorities that show the biggest digital gap. WHAT is the digital divide?..... The digital divide is a recent phenomenon created in the last 20yrs, due to increased development and dependency on technology across the United States. The technology “haves” and “have nots” is a common way that the digital divide has been described. The divide is a product of technology advancing so quickly that not every American can keep up with the pace. However, it is important that students and youth stay up-to-date with technology, due to the frequency in which education and job opportunities require technology understanding. WHY is there a digital divide?.... It is important to recognize the problem of the digital divide, especially in regards to the youth of America. If the problem is not addressed than it will just continue to grow. If a child lacks technology at a young age, they will continue to fall further behind in their education, and they will not be able to take advantage of higher education and career opportunities in the future. Today, almost every higher education institute and higher paying job requires computer skills and competency, so technology must become a required skill set for students. WHEN did this problem arise?... The initial research done in the mid 1990s by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) depicted the initial gap of the digital divide. The government then conducted research in 2000 and said that the gap was not a large concern anymore. However, educators, as well as librarians still see the gap alive and well in the United States. Home computer and Internet usage has increased in the last 10 years, but there are still large groups of Americans, especially youths, disadvantaged by the divide today. WHERE can the divide be found?... The digital divide can be found almost anywhere in the United States, though states with large areas of rural and minority populations may suffer far more. This being said, the divide can also be found in Kansas. Information for table came from multiple sources: see reference sheet for citations. Other facts- -In the Blue Valley School district, a survey showed that 98% of students have access to internet. -The Blue Valley district has a student: computer ration of 2:1. -The Tech Policy Bank says that “in 10% of Kansas schools, a majority of teachers (at least half) are beginners at using technology” (Digital Opportunity for Kansas Youth Fact Sheet, 2007). Internet Use Percentage Graphs: HOW do libraries fit into the digital divide?.... Libraries are part of the solution!!!! -The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are leading the way in digital divide and library research. In 2004, they found that 95% of libraries in the United States offer computer access to patrons, and that 14 million patrons regularly use the services  -At times, libraries are the only computer access point for disadvantaged youths. The Gates Foundation also found that Internet users rank libraries as the fourth most common location that they gain Internet access, this is behind home, work, and school. “Beyond just providing simple access, libraries are effectively helping people bridge the digital divide” (Retrieved on October 5, 2008 from www.gatesfoundation.org/unitedstates/uslibraryprogram/). From the U.S. Department of Commerce, 2002, A Nation Online: How Americans are Expanding Their Use of the Internet.