Digital+Divide

Gender:
===In the United States, it is apparent that many factors affect ones access to technology. In the past, computers were a luxury and used for specific purposes. But with technology expanding, computers have become more frequent in the homes of both males and females. Why is it then that males are still using computers more frequently and efficiently than females? This could possibly be because of the gender roles assigned to people at a young age. In schools, computers need to be offered so that all students – male and female – have equal access and usage opportunities. This could possibly help close the gender category of the digital divide. Equal access to technology in schools for both males and females will expose students to a wide variety of new skills.===

Socio Economic
===In the past, computers were a luxury and used for specific purposes. But with technology expanding, computers have become more prominent and frequent in homes, the homes of who can afford them that is. When measuring household computer and internet access at home in the classroom, low income families simply cannot afford it. When looking at computer access in homes, it is similar to the Matthew effects of reading – the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. That is, the more one have access to a computer, the more you will learn computer skills and the more you are able to apply them. The less access one has a computer, the less one will want to use a computer or learn how certain things work.=== === Overcoming this divide this is a challenge that needs to be addressed. The significance of computers in education is paramount. Students of all ages need equal access to computers, or else socioeconomic status will continue to divide the digital age. ===

-Start a technology immersion program where students can come after school and learn how to use certain programs such as Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, etc.
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= Race = ===The use of technology in everyday life is rapidly expanding across the United States. However, a large disparity still exists between the races of people using technology, such as computers and Internet. Some statistics are:===

(Fairlie).
===The statistics for computer ownership are similar to those above. Minority groups are deeply disadvantaged when it comes to technology skills, which are becoming increasingly important in the workforce. Race is an important factor to look at when assessing the Digital Divide. Minorities speak different languages, which is an important factor when considering computer ownership and Internet use. Spanish-speaking persons as well as other immigrants have dangerously low rates of computer use, making it hard for them to retain jobs and communicate effectively. The Digital Divide is providing a disservice to the minority groups listed above, and with technology becoming the primary source of communication, commerce, and education, these groups will only fall farther behind. Future advancement for these groups in the workforce may depend upon the Internet and other technologies, so bridging the Digital Divide is becoming more important than ever.===

Resource Equity:
===Resource equity is the goal of guaranteeing that everyone in our society equal and fair access to technology, such as computers, Internet, etc. The skills needed to operate these tools are also considered a part of resource equity. It is important for society to have equal access to these technological tools because the workforce is becoming increasingly digital. Students without access to a computer or Internet at home are at a disadvantage and are losing the opportunity to become part of the growing digital 21st century. Socio economic status and race tie in directly with the issue of resource equity. High economic status individuals will always have more access to technology then those with low economic status. For schools that do not have access to computers for everyday use, teachers should propose grants for computers in classrooms. Teachers need to gain access to technology for their students, and they also have to provide their students with educational experiences using said technology.===

Teacher bias:
===Sometimes, teachers do not care about emerging technology and kind of shove it aside. Some teachers even refuse to use technology in the classroom because they are old-fashioned. This can put students at a disadvantage because while other students are using the SMARTBoard to learn fractions, some students are doing a pencil paper worksheet. Which students are more engaged and therefore more enthusiastic about learning? Teachers need to strive to provide their students with the best resources to enhance learning, and in the 21st century, technology is the key.===