In Class Notes

Key Concpets

What is the Digital Divide?

  • Inequality in access to technology and the internet.
  • Affects education, employment, healthcare, and community participation.

Why Does the Digital Divide Exist?

  • Economic Privilege – Wealthier areas have better tech infrastructure.
  • Geographical Location – Rural and border areas lack investment.
  • Societal Factors – Language barriers, historical inequalities, and political representation.

Why is Technology Access Important?

| Area | Benefits of Digital Access | Consequences Without Access | |——|—————————|—————————-| | Education | Online learning, research | Lower academic performance | | Employment | Job searching, remote work | Fewer job opportunities | | Healthcare | Telemedicine, online records | Limited medical services | | Community | Civic engagement, social connection | Reduced participation |

Ethical & Societal Concerns

  • Fairness: Equal access to technology is a basic need.
  • Social Justice: Tech gaps reinforce inequality.
  • Responsibility: Governments, corporations, and communities must work together.

Bridging the Digital Divide

  1. Improve Infrastructure – Expand internet access in rural areas.
  2. Subsidize Devices & Internet – Provide affordable access to low-income families.
  3. Create Inclusive Technology – Develop accessible and diverse computing innovations.
  4. Public Policies – Support legislation for affordable internet.

Discussion Questions

  • How have you seen the digital divide impact education or employment?
  • Can you think of a computing innovation that unintentionally excludes certain groups?

Technology access is a necessity, and bridging the digital divide is essential for creating an equitable future.

Popcorn Hack #1

Identify one area (e.g., education, employment, healthcare, or community participation) where you’ve seen the digital divide in action. How does it affect people in different socioeconomic backgrounds?

Popcorn Hack #2

Can you think of a computing innovation that might unintentionally exclude certain groups? Why might that happen?

One commputing innovation that might unintentionally exclude certian groups could just be a phone or ipad or a computer for group who dont have the capability to use this hands. Simple, everyday, technolgy like phone may be difficult for people with disabilities to be able use –> thus unintentionally excluding them.

Homework