Eliminating the Digital Divide: The Opportunity to Enhance an E-Future

by Gregory Smith Page 1:

" The net imitates life. The rift that has wedged itself so stubbornly between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' in our society is being reflected online. Statistics show that minorities, low-income families and seniors are driving in the slow lane on the information superhighway, while college-educated, higher-income Whites are zipping by them as fast as their modems will carry them. The fact that these segments of society are being left behind isn't terribly surprising, but it is disturbing."
--NBC Dateline- December 13, 1999

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) this year released their fourth report of the Falling Through the Net series titled, Falling Through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion. This report measures the extent of digital inclusion by looking at households and individuals that have a computer and an Internet connection. It also measures the digital divide by looking at the differences in the shares of each group digitally connected. This year's report, which compares statistics from 1998- 2000, has found that despite Internet access and computer ownership rising rapidly for almost all groups, a digital divide remains or has expanded in some cases. Data from the report shows that noticeable divides still exist between those with different levels of income education, different racial and ethic groups, and those with single and dual-family homes.

Large gaps also remain regarding Internet penetration rates among households of different races and ethnic origins. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have maintained the highest level of home Internet access at 56.8%. Whites are second in level of home Internet access at 46.1%. Blacks and Hispanics, at the other end of the spectrum, continue to experience the lowest household Internet penetration rates at 23.5% and 23.6%, respectively.

The divide between Internet access rates for Black households and the national average rate was 18.0 percentage points in August 2000 (a 23.5% penetration rate for Black households, compared to 41.5% for households nationally). That gap is 3.0 percentage points wider than the 15.0 percentage point gap that existed in December 1998.

The divide between Internet access rates for Hispanic households and the national average rate was 17.9 percentage points in August 2000 (a 23.6% penetration rate for Black households, compared to 41.5% for households nationally). That gap is 4.3 percentage points wider than the 13.6 percentage point gap that existed in December 1998.

Two-parent households are nearly twice as likely to have Internet access as single-parent households (60.6% for dual-parent, compared to 35.7% for male-headed households and 30.0% for female-headed households). In central cities, only 22.8% of female-headed households have Internet access.

Statistical data from the NTIA's July 1999 report, Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide showed the following:

A child in a low-income White is three times as likely to have Internet access as a child in a comparable Black family, and four times as likely to have access as children in a comparable Hispanic household.

A wealthy household of Asian/Pacific Islander descent is nearly thirteen times as likely to own a computer as a poor Black household, and nearly thirty-four times as likely to have Internet access.

Finally, a child in a dual-parent White household is nearly twice as likely to have internet access as a child in a White single-parent household, while a child in a dual-parent Black family is almost four times as likely to have access as a child in a single-parent Black household.

So what does all of this data mean, it means that Blacks and Latinos are on the verge of being left out of the directional loop that this country is going in the future. With terms like e-commerce and e-government being used more and more frequently, it is a telling sign that the country is going to become more computer-driven than ever before. For people of color to avoid from being disenfranchised, they have to understand the importance of the computer usage and Internet access. This not only betters their lives, but the lives of their children as well. If disadvantaged Blacks and Latinos continue to be left on the wrong side of the digital divide, they run the risk being shut out from crucial information that will benefit their everyday lives. In this paper, we will see how the public and private sectors of this country are addressing this serious problem, and the obstacles that may stand in their way while doing it. We will also find ways to inform Black and Latino communities of the benefits of utilizing new forms of technology, and how they can benefit from it despite their economic standing.

The Clinton Factor

In a December 9, 1999 memorandum addressed to the heads of the executive departments and agencies, President Clinton acknowledged the problems with the digital divide presented in the NTIA's July 1999 report, and proposed the following actions the help Americans benefit from advances in Information technology :

1. The Secretary of Commerce shall work with the private sector and others to develop a national strategy for making computers and the Internet accessible to all Americans, with the goal of significantly narrowing the "digital divide".

2. The Secretary of Commerce shall continue to measure the level of connectivity of Americans to telecommunications and information tools, and report periodically on the relationship of income, education, race, gender, geography, and age to Americans' access to these tools.

3. The Secretaries of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Labor and Commerce shall:

(a) expand our growing network of Community Technology Centers to provide access to technology for low-income Americans; and

(b) encourage the development of information technology applications that would help enable low-income Americans to start and manage their own small businesses.

4. The Secretaries of education, Labor and Commerce shall work with the private sector to upgrade the information technology skills of America's workforce, particularly workers living in disadvantaged urban and rural communities.

5. The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall highlight and disseminate the lessons learned from their grant programs and educational technology initiatives, with emphasis on undeserved citizens, to increase the number of communities across the nation that could reap the benefits of information technologies for their residents.

Despite directing the executive departments and agencies to take on this agenda, President Clinton knew that the government's current resources and capabilities would not be enough to close the digital divide alone. During his State of the Union address, President Clinton asked technology development leaders to assist him in helping the government close the digital divide and open up opportunities for everyone. The speech sparked a "national call to action" for high-tech leaders to address the disproportionate number of poor, minority and rural Americans without access to a computer or the Internet.

Since the President's call for support from the high-tech leaders, White House officials reported that more than 400 companies and organizations agreed to sign a Call to Action pledge supporting universal Internet access in homes and schools. Not to mention, through the foresight of Vice President, Al Gore, the federal government is investing almost 4 billion dollars in the E-rate program to help ensure access for all, by wiring public schools and libraries to the Internet.

Although the Clinton administration has made great strides in bridging the digital divide by gaining support from the private sector as well as the Congress, many problems still exist. The have-nots of this country still have obstacles to overcome before they can truly be able to utilize the vast capabilities of new technology.

Digital Dilemmas

Microsoft, IBM, America Online and a myriad of other high-tech mega-companies have played their part in eradicating the divide by providing funding, hardware, software and manpower to institutions in need . But for President Clinton's vision of 'providing 21st century learning tools for every child and every school and to create digital opportunities for every family and every community' , a few problems must first be addressed.

After making computers and Internet access available to disadvantaged Blacks and Latinos, a major problem facing the government is providing proper training to people who may need it. Who will train our children and their parents once they've obtain the use of a computer? Provided the current problems of our inner-city public school system like class overcrowding and not having enough qualified teachers that use computers in their lesson plans (only 14% of US teachers utilize computers) , it seems inconceivable that teachers who do not have sufficient classroom space, or themselves have the required computer skills, can provide students with the technical savvy they will need to navigate the web.

If students are unable to obtain the needed computer skills at school, can we truly expect them to get the training at home? The parents of a good part of these inner-city public school kids probably don't have jobs that require the use of a computer, if they even have jobs at all. Many of these parents who don't work but receive public assistance, they often obtain workfare mandates from the government to work maintenance or other low-level jobs.

On many of these workfare jobs they receive very little or no computer training at all. This puts the parent in no position to assist their children in acquiring the computer skills they need. These turn of events, in my opinion, will ultimately put children at a loss, with no way to get the training needed to use computers and access the Internet. Without the proper professional training needed to take full advantage of the opportunities the Internet provides like, performing job searches, accessing public services, obtaining global information and pursuing scholarships would be very difficult.

Giving families computer access without the proper training would be like giving someone a car and not teaching them how to drive. All in all, I don't believe that this is the direction that we want to go in; so addressing the issue of computer training is imperative if plans to eliminate the digital divide are successful.

Now that plans to eliminate the digital divide are in effect, and the government, high-tech corporations and private sector organizations are footing part of the bills towards financing new computers for institutions and people in need. Coupled with the fact that prices are dropping on machines everyday, making computers more affordable. I don't find it inconceivable that economically challenged Blacks and Latinos can have access to computers and the Internet in the future. Having said that, I believe unlike the matter regarding computer training, another problem may be posed to the government should they find a way to provide underprivileged people of color with computers. That possible problem facing the government is finding the money to pay the costs for maintaining the computers.

It has been well documented that a primary reason why many Black and Latino families don't have computers or access to the Internet is because of their economic standing. Many of these families have low-income jobs, and face the challenge every month of making ends meet. After having to buy food, pay rent, pay bills, purchase clothes for their children and have carfare for work, can we truly expect these people to maintain a computer, if provided with one? Yes, government may be able to provide the computer systems, and in some cases Internet access is free, but what about maintenance costs if the computer breaks down?

Will these machines have lifetime warranties on all the parts? Let's not forget about computer upgradeability, because computer technology advances everyday. Who will supply these low-income families with new computers when their computer becomes obsolete in three to four years (does anyone remember the Beta-max or the eight-track tape)? How about the electrical expenses, telephone costs and the purchasing of peripheral equipment (i.e. computer discs, surge protectors, printer paper)? Where does an economically challenged family go to pay for these added expenses? Can we truly expect the government to assist in these costs?

The government has not been able to help the many inner-city public schools in this country that don't have enough books or class space for every student. Not to mention, that the government has not even been able to give every needy person in this country medical coverage or a home to sleep in. So, can the existing government assist us here? I don't think so. It is my opinion, that unless government can find a way release the financial binds that limit economically challenged Blacks and Latinos in maintaining a computer; through either some sort of subsidies or wage increases, then giving these people computer access will be useless.

If Blacks and Latinos can't financially compete in upgrading their computers to facilitate new technology, then we are not really making a change, but are taking the digital divide to another level. Think of it this way, let's say everyone in the world right now has the same computer system at home, and over the next ten years there are several technological breakthroughs.

These breakthroughs make computers and accessing the web faster and more powerful. The changes in the technology are really beneficial to businesses and the world as a whole, but only the haves of this country have the financial capability to upgrade their machines and reap the benefits of the new technology. This puts the country's have-nots at a disadvantage, because they can't upgrade their machine due to economic burdens and take advantage of this new technology as well. Does this sound familiar thus far, yes; it's digital divide 2011, and history has just repeated itself. Again, this why I believe that if steps aren't taken to ensure that people of color with financial difficulties will be able to maintain their computer systems. The digital divide will not only be a thing of the past, but of the future as well.

Although I believe that providing disadvantaged Blacks and Latinos with computer training and finding a way to assist them with computer maintenance costs may pose a problem to the government in the future. I find government's overall plan in bridging the digital divide to be a step in the right direction. I also believe for this to truly work, there must be a change in the thinking amongst many Blacks and Latinos regarding the digital divide. Blacks and Latinos must see the affect of the digital divide on their current lives, and the impact the personal computer will have on their futures. They must also realize that the computer is not simply an expensive accessory for the privileged, but a much-needed tool that provides countless advantages to everyone.

Changing the Landscape

".... closing the digital divide will require more than hardware connections; it will also require a shift in the way our communities think about technology. We must develop an almost religious fervor about integrating technology into every aspect of daily life. And we must encourage thousands of one-on-one interactions between the technologically savvy and those who have yet to log on." - William E. Kennard, Chairman of the FCC

Blacks and Latinos need to conceptualize their lives in America without a computer or Internet access as being in a horse race on a turtle. Or, better yet, fighting in a nuclear war with a bow and arrow. Only then I believe can they see the great disadvantage they are in right now by not having computers. Without computers and Internet access, people of color must realize that they will remain the digital have-nots, who have limited access to knowledge and economic leverage. The government is attempting to a make change in the Black and Latino communities, but more must be done to have a greater impact on this part of society.

It's my opinion that if we are to change the current landscape of having more Blacks and Latinos in a technological frame of mind, we must first change our packaging of the computer concept. By changing packaging I mean we have to educate these communities about closing the digital divide in a more inviting way. I think through using large-scale marketing ideas and public service announcements that use athletes, music and movie stars; we can inform disadvantaged Blacks and Latinos of the benefits of having new technology at their fingertips. Also by saturating their communities with information of the on-line services available to them like, shopping for the lowest interests rates on a home mortgage, making free long-distance calls, starting their own on- line businesses, downloading free music, taking on-line training courses, accessing public services on the web to prevent from standing on long time-consuming lines, along with the other countless services that the Internet provides.

I think in time, that Blacks and Latinos will see owning a computer as important as owning a television, and will find anyway possible to get one. The government can also change the landscape for Blacks and Latinos, by finding ways to have teachers incorporate more computer-based education in their lesson plans to spark more interests in learning from their students. Having new technology in the inner-city classroom may seem more appealing to the students, and could possibly improve their attendance as well as enhance their knowledge of computers. Perhaps making them more inclined to look into technological or computer-related job positions in the future.

Another possible change is to re-think our current workfare system. By integrating more computer- related training programs along with their work assignments this could improve the skills of the workers drastically. With the work experience and computer training, you can increase the qualifications of the workers and make them more viable on the open job market. Also by doing this, you not only put these people in a position learn about computers, but you also give them the opportunity to acquire jobs that can allow them to purchase affordable computers on their own.

The bottom line is that new technological advances are changing the world, and if everyone doesn't change with it, they run the risk of being left out of the loop. Unfortunately, in this country, when people are left out of the loop, other people usually have to pay for it. But, fortunately, in this case, we have a tremendous opportunity to bring everyone up to speed with the changing times. 51% of all Americans don't have computers, and a large portion of that 51% are Blacks and Latinos. Society must do what ever is humanly feasible to eliminate these disturbing numbers.

Whether it be volunteering to train children in schools, giving support to community centers, donating computers, providing jobs or even just informing someone of the benefits of having a computer, I believe every little bit that is done will make an incredible difference in lives of these people. Not only will it benefit them, but also I feel it will benefit society as a whole. It's my belief that by having disadvantaged Blacks and Latinos become computer savvy, we increase the chances of them obtaining better paying jobs, which in turn will spur the economy and reduce welfare rolls.

I also think a sparked interest in computers can also keep kids off of the streets and away from the criminal element. This eventually will decrease the crime rates, and reduce the amount of tax dollars allocated to building prisons. Black and Latino children can also use the Internet to learn of the cultures and experiences of their native lands, and increase their self-esteem by learning about their rich histories. By having a greater sense of self-worth and pride, I believe Black and Latino children will not feel as alienated because of their economic condition in a school setting. With this newfound confidence and strength in themselves, I think Black and Latino children will excel much better in class and will be less likely to cut school. This of course will enhance their academic skills, and increase their chances of finishing college and obtaining prominent positions in the future. These are just a few of the many possibilities that can be accomplished if the proper steps are taken by society in closing the digital divide.

Conclusion

Now that we have examined some of the government's plans to eliminate the digital divide, and have seen some of its potential shortcomings and benefits, we know that there is a lot of work to be done. I would also come to hope that we have come to understand the need for all facets of society, and not the government to get involved in bridging the digital divide. For us to remain a powerful and prosperous nation, we must make sure that all of society helps underprivileged Blacks and Latinos take advantage of the new technologies that are in front of us. I think getting all Americans involved in these new technologies will allow us to re-invent government by making existing systems faster, more efficient and less costly.

These technological changes to our current systems will allow government to take on a whole new identity in the future. Government will be able to provide more cost-effect, user-friendly public services to citizens over the Internet, which could reduce administrative spending, and permit government to reduce taxes. The reduction in administrative costs could also allow government to allocate funds towards decreasing the national debt as well. With new technology, we can improve our educational system by replacing old out-dated books in inner-city public schools with computers. By being able to access the Internet, teachers and students will have a greater array of subject matter to choose from, and have more access to information from around the world than ever before. The problem of overcrowded classrooms could be eliminated too. I believe by having students use computers to learn from home, not only can you end classroom overcrowding, but it can also bring greater benefits to the child and parent. By implementing what I'd like to call a virtual teacher system.

In using the virtual teacher system, parents and their children could search the web and find a qualified, certified teacher in the state or country of their choice. Once the teacher is found, the child can begin to receive lessons through videoconferencing and Internet technology at home over the computer. The benefit of this system is, the child never has to leave his or her home, so there are little to no distractions to keep the child from learning. In addition, the student has one-on-one tutoring, which will allow the student to learn at his or her pace, and not feel rushed or slowed in learning because of the progress of other students. The benefits to the parents are, they don't have spend hundreds of dollars on school clothes to keep their kids in style, to prevent them from being ridiculed by other kids. Another benefits is, the child can take their lessons at any time during the day, giving the parent an opportunity to take care of personal obligations with the child, and not have them miss schooling. The most important benefit of the virtual teacher is that, parents can supervise their child during lessons and play a role in their education. Certainly, this is just an idea, but the possibilities to change our educational system and other government structures are endless.

Just seeing the promise in having these technological advances makes it clear that society should do anything and everything in its power to ensure that computers and Internet access should not only benefit the haves of this country, but everyone in this country. Then and only then can this country to move forward into an E-future.

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