Equality and the Digital Divide

Summary

We hope that you enjoyed our site. In order to help bring you back to our original question - "Is the opportunity for equality of technology necessary for the success of the modern nation state?" - here is a brief summary of the facts we presented. (If you did not read our site and merely clicked on the summary link, this page will prove even more useful to you.)

Equality Survey

68% of students know the definition of the Digital
Divide
57% of parents know the definition
Students average 20 hours on the Internet
Parents average 13 hours on the Internet

Three ND professors weigh in on the impact of the Internet and the Digital Divide
All three believe that all people should have access to the Internet and
that providing this access is feasible
Our featured ND professor comments on the issue of equality and the importance of technology at the University
Virtually 100% of all ND students have access to computers in their living spaces, though ownership might be shared with a roommate
ND is invested in technology, although according to the professor we asked, the University has not yet realized the revolutionary impact of the Internet – it has not made as radical investments as other schools
The professor does not believe that students at ND receive less of an education if the school’s resources are not equal to those of other universities
The educational experience at ND and peer universities is dominated by
the learning opportunities provided by faculty and by leadership experiences; technology is secondary

The Supreme Court has ruled that filters are constitutional when placed on computers that are in public libraries and when children are using the Internet
UNITeS is a volunteer group that works to bridge the digital divide in underdeveloped countries

The Internet is a global phenomenon

Currently, 140 million people use the Internet, compared to 1995 when fewer than 10 million people used the Net

The Digital Divide is the gap between those countries that receive information by making effective use of computers and other forms of information technology, and those countries that do not socially or
economically profit from technological advancements

Effects of Bridging the Gap

Pros

Less developed countries will be able to:
1. Acquire knowledge
2. Enhance educational and teaching
  methods
3. Improve government policy-making
4. Establish a global community
International E-commerce
Free access to information
Potential decrease for terrorism due to increased international dialogue

Cons

Potential for increased terrorism due to socioeconomic stress and world-wide communication
The Internet allows terrorist groups to spread their message
The Internet could potentially create tension within developing countries by showing them the enormous disparities that exist between the developed world and less developed nations.
Bridging the gap places a heavy economic burden on any country that tries to undertake the task

Effects of Not Bridging the Gap

Pros

Modernization for some nations
Nations would not have to bear economic burden of providing equal access
No foreseen potential for a decrease in terrorism

Cons

Worldwide stagnation of some foreign markets
Limited information access
Limited international dialogue
Potential for increased terrorism due to socioeconomic stress

International Issues

Provided information concerning internet use and internet regulatory policies in nations such as the US, India, Haiti and Iraq
Recounted information received from internet users in Malaysia and South Korea concerning their personal internet and computer use

Given the gap that exists in society between those who have access to technology and those who do not, our group attempts to provide the necessary information for our reader to make an informed decision as to whether or not to bridge this gap. By looking at other international countries, the reader can examine how the Internet is being utilized around the world and which countries have been the most "successful" in their efforts to provide access to information technologies. We not only look abroad, but we also examine our own domestic situation in the United States as well as a more personal look at our own University. Is equality of technology necessary to the success of the modern nation state? Does a democracy have the responsibility of providing all of its members with access to the Internet? What steps would a nation take to provide
such access? Is this access feasible? We leave that to you to decide.