[printer friendly (text) page]

Hopelessly Divided?
by Cynthia Wetmiller

The Sunday morning paper arrives and I once again find myself drawn to the computer and technology ads. As I glance through the plethora of technology on sale each week at local electronic stores, I succumb to the realization that no matter how hard I try, I will never understand all the gadgets and gizmos that are out there to improve and organize every aspect of life. Every Sunday I emerge from my session with the paper feeling hopelessly divided from the world of technology.

A glance around my home and office would give a different picture altogether. I have zip drives, photo printers, a digital camera, the latest software, a flat screen monitor and the capability to put all my music cds onto a tiny digital audio player that barely fits into my pocket. This facade, however, does not reflect the reality of my experience with technology and my membership in the digital divide.

How can I be in the same digital divide as those who have never had access to technology? It is simple. While having access to technology is certainly a major issue of the digital divide, having the education to use this technoloyg is also essential. Aquiring such education can place you on the other side of the digital divide, where technology is no longer an issue but a way of life. While I am more familiar with computer hardware and software than many people in the digital divide, I have far too many moments in my work day where I am unable to get the computer to do what I want and need it to do. I can only imagine how difficult it would be for someone to start a job where computers are integrated into every aspect of the work, yet not have a handle on even the most basic skills.

Digital divide service-learning projects can help bring much-needed technology education to those in the digital divide who have access to computers but lack the skills needed to use technology for educational, personal and vocational reasons. There are many skills that youth can teach people in the digital divide. If your students work with computers in your school, challenge them to share their talents and skills with those in the divide. You, as well as your students, will no doubt be surprised when you discover how diverse the digital divide population in your community really is!