The Digital Divide 2.0

Why the gap is not closing:

There is a new trend with computer technologies that are more available and accessible to the common folk. The trend consists of non-profits and community based organizations using computers and internet technologies to promote and advance their work. However, there is still evidence of a digital divide among the users and usages of this newly accessible technology.

People seem to forget that the same "Johnnie" from inner-city ville, who grew up in the mid-nineties--during a time in which studies showed even though there were computers in his school, he was either not allowed adequate time to use them and/or the types of software applications on them did not foster critical thinking and problem-solving--is now the adult "Johnnie" residing and working in inner-city ville. With this in mind, further examination of the factors that discouraged or prohibited "Johnnie" from becoming computer literate and savvy in his younger days have carried over to his resistance or lack of participation in the new trends of computer technology within communities to promote change.

I believe questions about attitudes, perceptions, experiences, and relevancy in regards to access and usage need to be addressed in order to truly understand why the digital divide has not been closed yet.

(Note to myself: The Digital Divide 2.0 draft ideas for research paper. Questions to come...)