“The future arrived. It just wasn’t equally distributed.” – William Gibson (Thornburg, n.d.)
There is great disparity among those who have access to new and emerging technology and those who do not. The term “digital divide” is used to describe this unbalanced adoption of technologies across gender, cultural, and socioeconomic groups. As the Internet grew, the gap between those who had access to it also grew. To address this issue in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission has proposed the National Broadband Plan which will increase the access of historically disadvantaged groups (low-income, African-Americans, Hispanics, and disabled) to broadband/high-speed Internet services (Gardner, 2010). Would this be considered valuable?
According to Thornburg, the term “valuable” means “understanding a culture well enough to help people incorporate new ideas into their culture” (n.d.). When examining emerging technologies for value, the question to ask is “What need is being met with this device?” In the United States, having a device that allows the user to access the Internet is valuable. One such device that many technology experts are looking to is the cellular phone. Check out this video on how the cell phone is helping to narrow the digital divide:
When looking at ways to make emerging technology valuable, are we talking about valuable to the consumer or to society? The cellular phone as a valuable tool for bridging the digital divide is not without some critics. Washington reports that although more groups have access to the Internet via their cell phones, the quality of the engagement is questionable (2011). This is about productivity. How are they using the Internet? Are they looking for ways to be more productive citizens or are they simply enjoying the social networking aspects?
In the following video, the producers take a look at women and the digital divide. Several strategies are included on how we may bridge the digital divide among men and women in worldwide. Once again, the productivity aspect of the technology is examined. How is the computer being used?
As a leader in technology, one way I can help make emerging technologies valuable to others is to stress the productivity aspect of the tools. I can help individual see how the emerging technology improves his/her quality of life.
References
Gardner, W. D. (9 November 2010). Digital divide persists despite broadband expansion. Retrieved May 22, 2011 from http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/mobile/228200536?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_ALL
Thornburg, D. (n.d.) Diversity and globalism. [vodcast]. Retrieved May 23, 2011 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4930730&Survey=1&47=5513753&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Washington, Jesse (2 March 2011). For minorities, new ‘digital divide’ seen. Retrieved May 22, 2011 from http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-01-10-minorities-online_N.htm
Microsoft Partners in Learning Worldwide Innovation Teachers Forum 2007. Retrieved May 22, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e2vj8UNHh8
National Broadband Plan: Digital Divide’s Impact on Internet Access for Seniors and Minorities. Retrieved May 22, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfPI8cw3zNY
Where Are the Women? A Digital Divide PSA. Retrieved May 22, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R4l4z9Edo0
Angela,
ReplyDeleteThis is Jeannine...for some reason I could not log in my account.
You mentioned the quote from Thornburg, the term “valuable” means “understanding a culture well enough to help people incorporate new ideas into their culture”
How as a future instructional technologist how can we make sure this is being met.
Also, I know in my school cell phones are bannied in the classrooms, how do we change this mentality?
Thanks for the post!
Angela,
ReplyDeleteNice post and links. Jeannine asks a good question. When I was teaching high school five years ago, we had a ban on cell phones. While I agree there are great opportunities with mobile applications, there is going to need to be a shift in thinking about cell phones if schools are going to adopt them for instructional purposes.
Kimberly
Jeannine and Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteMy district also bans cell phones during the school day. We are instructed to confiscate them if they are seen. I can understand not allowing them to use the phones during testing situations or during class while the teacher is instructing. However, when you want students to research a topic and the library is booked or you only have three computers for a classroom of 30 students, it's a little silly to not allow the students to use their cellphones. We have to teach the students that these are powerful tools that will assist them in being productive. I know that with a small baby, sometimes the only internet access I am able to use in my own home is my cell phone. I am able to login to class, respond to discussion questions, everything with my little my smartphone instead of trying to find lap space for my laptop. I know how to be productive with it. That is something we must teach the students. Teaching students how to use technology wisely is part of our duty, and I think that decision makers have to address these mobile devices better.
Thank you both for the questions and comments.