Section 01

Elliott Miller

nem3

<B>The Digital Divide</B>

I. Introduction-What is the Digital Divide?

Over the last couple of decades technology has rapidly advanced and expanded with the invention of personal computers, Web-TVs, the Internet, Palm Pilots, and several other new devices; however, society, especially the American society, has been divided into those that are educated and comfortable with the new technology, and the techno-nots, the people that have not adapted to the new technological world of high-speed data transfer and digital devices. The gap is closing among people that own personal computers and those that are connected through telephone lines; however, the gap among Americans connected through the Internet is growing larger. Many Americans are being left out and missing out on better jobs, lifestyles, and resources by not being educated with the modern technology and not utilizing the access they do have.

II. Digital Access to the Public and Education and the Digital Divide

  1. Pros- World and US is shifting to a service based and technological economy, causing un-educated factory workers to lose jobs. Those that are not educated at a higher level not as able to get jobs that involve computers and technology. Older generations never grew up with computers and have not had lessons and help learning about computers.
  2. Cons- Most schools now have access to computers but students are intimidated and do not take advantage of the resources. Older generations are gradually becoming more and more comfortable with computers, but they are not educated or taking part in the more recent developments such as the World Wide Web.

III. Personal Computing

  1. Pros- The Digital Divide is most commonly divided by Race, Income, Education, Age, and Region. There is still low percentage of people that have personal computers (around 35%). Many physical labor workers not able to become educated in evolving technology and do not work with digital devices consistently.
  2. Cons- Older people are not as interested in computers and do not want to become comfortable with them; however, this is a disadvantage for them. The gap of people owning a computer at home is closing over the years and it is easier and more affordable to have a personal pc now, yet those people are not utilizing the most recent developments such as the Internet, digital cameras, etc.

IV. The Internet and the World Wide Web

  1. Pros-Gaps among those connected by the Internet are growing farther apart. There is also large differences among those that are online based on race, age, region, and income. Internet continues to evolve and those with the resources available through the internet have a huge advantage.
  2. Cons- Difference among Americans connected by telephone is dying fast. More people are connected in America even though Internet gap is growing. While more people becoming aware of the Internet they are not utilizing the communication and current technology as well as they could.

V. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act and The Patriot anti-terrorism Legislation

  1. The Millennium Copyright Act was passed to stop those who used their knowledge of the new technological advances to illegally obtain things such as music, software, and copyrighted ideas through the Internet. While the new technology did allow people to bypass the legal system, this Act was passed to help limit those who misuse the new technology; however, many argue that is unconstitutional by allowing a court to issue a subpoena without evidence that a crime was committed. This Act does try to improve the use of the new technology, but it does so in a controversial manner that may break the fourth amendment.
  2. The Patriot anti-terrorism Legislation was proposed after the terrorist attacks on 9/11 to help the authorities improve national security. However, by doing so the legislation disregards civil liberties that define democracy by authorizing unwarranted wiretaps, screening e-mails, seizing voicemail, and monitoring Internet use among other things. This legislation, like the Millennium Copyright Copyright Act was created to curtail some of the freedom the Internet offers to ensure that the activities are legal and safe.

References

  1. Brown, Mark Malloh. CHOICES: September 2001. Democracy and the Information Revolution. November 9, 2003. 2001
  2. Digital Divide Network. Digital Divide Network. November 10, 2003
  3. Public Access. Falling Through the Net. November 11, 2003
  4. Evolution of the Internet. Freedom Magazine. November 10, 2003
  5. Digital Divide. PBS Network. NOvember 9, 203
  6. Opinions: Who Needs Civil Liberties Anyway? Douglas, Peter. November 9. 2003.

Page Outline

DigDivide.html
     Definition.html
         www.DigitalDivideNetwork.com
         www.pbs.org/digitaldivide/themes.html
         DigDivide.html
         Internet.html
     Internet.html
         www.theta.com/goodman/evolve.htm 
         http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fttn99.html        
         http://afrinet.intnet.mu/competition/competition/team02/evolution.htm
         Definition.html
         MillCAct.html
	 References.html
     MillCAct.html
         www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.html       
         http://linuxtoday.com/news_story.php3?ltsn=2000-01-25-001-05
         www.tsl.pomona.edu/03/0307/opinions/02.html
         Definition.html
	 Internet.html
         References.html
     References.html
         www.digitaldividenetwork.org                   
         www.pbs.org/digitaldivide/themes.html            
         www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.html  
         http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fttn99.html
         www.theta.com/goodman/evolve.htm 
         http://linuxtoday.com/news_story.php3?ltsn=2000-01-25-001-05
         www.tsl.pomona.edu/03/0307/opinions/02.html 	  
         http://linuxtoday.com/news_story.php3?ltsn=2000-01-25-001-05http://afrinet.intnet.mu/competition/competition/team02/evolution.htm
	 DigDivide.html