It seems so odd to me that so many people don't understand that the world wide web is far from world wide and that much of the world doesn't even have access to it. In another DTC class of mine we are discussing how to create an on-line library of unpublished works from all over the world that anybody could contribute to, and its funny how people in the class just assume that anybody in the world could get on-line and access the library. Many of us living in this society with all the technology at our fingertips don't even think twice about it. It doesn't cross their minds that others aren't as fortunate to have this stuff.

The statistics in the article by Andy Carvin (Mind the Gap...) seem a little crazy though. I know this article was written in 2000 so things have definitely changed somewhat. It's actually pretty amazing how many people in this country do have access to technology and the internet. I know people on welfare who don't have a high school diploma, or even enough food in the fridge and still have internet access at home. The problem I think at least here in this country is more what Mark Warschauer was getting at in his article in that it's not all about the haves and have nots, the digital divide so to speak, but rather the lack of education and training on the use of technology. "The internet itself must provide the right tools so people are able to take advantage of and use it for more varied purposes, more learning styles, more languages and cultures" (Carvin). Because I've noticed that even though many of the lowest socioeconomic level households now have access to the internet and computer, they don't know how to use the stuff effectively. Then their kids don't learn at home what other kids with the same access are learning and that increases the gap between the two groups.

Providing the technology just isn't enough. Attention needs to be given to the human and social systems that must also change for the technology to make a difference. "A digital divide is marked not only by physical access to computers and connectivity, but also by access to the additional resources that allow people to use technology well" (Warschauer). Couldn't say it better myself. There are so many factors that go into the "digital divide" besides the actual divide of digital technolgy access.

Both of these articles were very enjoyable to read and made some excellent points!