The digital divide refers to a lack of internet access for
certain groups of people. More specifically, people of color, of low
socioeconomic status, older people, income levels and people who have less
education are all affect by the digital divide. Research has shown that these
groups are less likely to use the internet. These are all factors of the
digital divide, but I am going to focus on education levels. Perrin &
Duggan (2015) states, “educational attainment has been one of the strongest
indicators of use” (p. 5). And, honestly this makes sense. It may be that
people who have attained more education use the internet more because they have
more of a use for it in their everyday lives. Furthermore, their jobs may
require internet use more so than jobs attained by people who have
attained less than a college degree (not always). For example, a person with a Bachelor’s
degree in Education who currently has a career as a teacher may require more
use of the internet than a person who is currently working as a fry cook at a
fast food restaurant. Teacher’s jobs demand use of the internet in ways such as
taking the attendance of the students present in their classrooms or even
returning emails. Additionally, since some occupations require internet use,
they are more likely to bring work home with them and need the internet in
their homes. On the other hand, it makes sense that jobs where people have no
high school diploma have little or no internet access. I had a job during my
undergrad that had wifi throughout the building but they only had one computer
in the employees lounge. There was only one computer for over a hundred
employees.
Another thing that I thought about is that people with
college degrees typically (not always) make more money than people with some
college, a high school diploma, or no high school diploma. Therefore, they may
be more likely to have devices outside of a cell phone such as a laptop or a
tablet that is capable of connecting to the internet. Furthermore, their income
can afford them wifi in their homes. Wifi is an extra bill. So, like I said
earlier on it makes sense for people who have a higher degree and who may make
more money to have more access to the internet.
Lastly, people with a college degree or higher may just have
more of an interest in using the internet. Or, just may be more accustomed to
getting information through the internet. I am currently working on my masters
degree and I have had to use the internet all the way through high school,
college, and now graduate school. Not only am I accustomed to getting my
information that way and the convenience of it. I also have an interest in
using it because I can find information on whatever topic I need it for.
Whether it be a scholarly journal or a new recipe. Whenever I want to know
something, I pull out my phone or my laptop.
It is very interesting how all of these different factors
play into the use of the internet. I had never thought of who has access and
who doesn’t until I started working in schools. Anyway, I am curious to know
what you all think of the digital divide as it applies to educational
attainment. I am looking forward to reading your replies!
I love how you started off but introducing all of the groups effected by the digital divide going on: people of color, of low socioeconomic status, older people, low income levels, and lack of education. All of these people probably don’t use the Internet that often. I appreciate the fact that you used to research and authentic statements to justify the fact that people who are more educated will use the Internet more often. Generally, these well-educated people will use it more in their daily lives, such as while completing schooling or working in a professional setting. I didn’t really think about how different job positions would require people to use the Internet different amounts; it is an obvious thing yet I’ve never put much thought into it.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t pay much attention to the point that people with college degrees tend to make more money than people with no degree or diploma; it makes sense they will typically own and come in contact with more technological devices as well. Hence why income level and financial status play a role in the issue. These types of people will generally have more of an interest to use the Internet too. Children and adults in this generation have become accustomed to finding information online, through popular websites and search engines such as Google. I am personally working on getting my masters degree as well, and I’ve used the Internet as my main resource throughout all of high school and college too. At this point, it is just a convenience and a habit.
Thanks for all of your helpful insight on the topic of people who are affected by the digital divide. I highly enjoyed reading about how different aspects play into the use of the Internet!
Clair Spatt
spattcm@mail.uc.edu
http://spattcm.wixsite.com/myblog
Hey Ayana,
ReplyDeleteI think you've really hit a lot of points that really highlight the socioeconomic and sociocultural divide present with technology. I think it's really sad to think about, but the jobs that most minorities have are not those that require degrees and typically don't require technological proficiency. As you stated, these jobs are more in retail, fast food, restaurants, etc. While these jobs sometimes can pay enough for the workers to afford internet, smartphones, etc. I think technology takes a backseat to supporting children, healthcare, etc. Having money affords people the opportunity to have technology and to have become introduced to technology at a younger age. I built a computer when I was 15, however, these technologies are not cheap at all and thus a major aspect of technological proficiency is having been placed in technology rich environment and having the money to have these opportunities.
I think Taft, being an IT focused school really lets us get our kids familiar with technology to the point where they are typically proficient enough that they could occupy tech jobs in the future rather than jobs such as fast food. I think the idea that we should incorporate computers into nearly every lesson plan is helping to immerse the students in a tech culture, even if I don't like the fact that these pressures often keep my students from doing "hands-on" science. On one hand, I want to do more lab activities, but with such a divide maybe it is best that we use those resources and the time for technology integration and tech-based activities.
You had great ideas, and I think it's been really interesting to see how the school we are at this year is trying to pull this divide closer together.
Scott
Clair and Scott,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with both of your comments. Clair, I agree that internet use for some of us is not only a habit but also a convenience. I like how you pointed out that internet usage or the lack thereof is generational. Scott, I agree that technology takes a backseat to more important things such as child rearing. I also agree that at our school, they are actually trying to close the gap. However, I wonder how we as individual educators can help to close the divide? I know that incorporating technology into our lesson plans is one way. Especially in regards to programs that aid in learning. For example, programs such as Geogebra and Desmos in Math are great tools to teach students about graphing, parent functions, and how changing numbers in an equation can affect the translation of a graph. Geogebra can also be used in Geometry to discuss shapes and angle measurements. There are so many helpful technological programs for enrichment. Most of our students have smartphones, so it may be a good idea to use programs that have apps that are cell phone compatible. Therefore, students can look at the program at home. I am really curious to see how we can make an impact.
Ayana