Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Democracy, Education, and the Digital Divide
Can technology alone be counted upon to solve the problems associated with democracy and the Internet? Even if the technology works, a frequent criticism of democratic politics in the Internet age is that all citizens, both in the US and internationally, do not have equal access to the Net. If this technology is as revolutionary and as important as most people argue, what are the real-world consequences for those people who do not own computers or modems, let alone enjoy the advantage of a T-I connection?
There is no dispute about the existence of a digital divide in the US. But how large is this divide and to what extent is it decreasing?
For two analyses and tables of statistics, look at 1) The Pew Internet Project: Summary (Sept. 2000); and the Department of Commerce's study, "A Nation Online" (Census Bureau, Sept. 2001). In which cases has computer- and Internet-access improved? How would you define 'sufficient' access, as opposed to merely quantitative indices of access? To what extent do significant disparities exist across different socio-economic and racial groups?
Once you have reflected upon these findings, compare them with Mick Brady's argument, "The Digital Divide Myth." Whether you agree or not, think critically.
Then, apply the findings and Brady's argument to the stories in Chapter 7 (pp. 59-70) of Alex Kotlowitz's book about poverty in Chicago, There Are No Children Here. This short chapter is in your Reader. How would Brady's argument correspond to Pharoah's needs? Would Pharoah be reassured after reading Brady's account? What effect, if any, could access to the Internet have on Pharoah's life?
On these bases, members of the class known as The Limbaugh Conservatives and the Liberal Tree-huggers will then engage in a debate over the following proposition on WebCT:
"The Federal Government needs to solve the digital divide problem, if only for Pharoah's sake."
Once the two groups have presented their arguments, they will be interrogated by the "Catholic Inquisition."
One additional subject for reflection: The digital divide is much more profound on an international scale. For example, large sections of the African continent are not wired at all. Should this matter to us? What effect would greater connectivity have on these sections of the world? Is there anything we can do about the challenge?
The Distribution of the Internet: Watch it spread.