Critical Response Essay Module 1

Module 1: Digital Divide       IRLS551         Jim Haske      Spring 2007

            In response to the essay prepared by Emi Kawasaki, I too agree that there is a digital divide that exists within the U.S. society and that as technology advances the potential for this divide to widen grows as well.  However, I feel that this divide is a naturally occurring phenomenon of being part of a free society that it is serviced by a free market, and as such is a naturally occurring environmental effect.  Though it exists, I do not necessarily believe that some of the actions that have been suggested in the readings to correct this divide, are the right courses of action to pursue or would be viable economic solutions.

            One of the ideas that Emi presents in the beginning of her essay, is a study by Goolsbee & Guryan that was conducted recently in 2006, which found that there “were no significant impact of Internet connections between a student’s performance on standardized tests.”  One of the ideas that Emi presented was that based on this information, the promotion of literacy should be the primary goal pursued to reduce the digital divide, rather than the installation of expensive hardware and technology, and that by understanding how to evaluate and interpret information, then one will be able to take steps towards embracing technology. 

I fully agree with this thought because merely supplying the necessary equipment will not guarantee that it will be used, and to be successful in any program, requires a pull effort from the end user, meaning that they desire such service, they request such service, and they work to achieve such service.  If a certain demographic of the population does not feel they have a need for technology, or a desire to learn to use technology, then supplying technology to them will be of no benefit.

            Since I share agreement with Emi that information literacy is the first step toward narrowing the digital divide, I should next examine what is the best use of the resources available and who is best to receive them.  From the readings it seems that there are two approaches with respect to the distribution of subsidized technology and that is to provide it directly to the impoverished individual or provide to institutions such as libraries and schools.  I support the latter since it is a basic element in the charter of libraries and schools to promote literacy and prepare individuals to be active and participative members of society.  Since schools and libraries have staff to train individuals on these technologies they would be best suited to receive the majority of resources that are available.  These institutions are also best able to help people understand the various information sources that are available and encourage valuable progressive thought, rather than merely installing systems where the poor, diverse, and underprivileged are able to surf Youtube and Myspace all day.

            Lastly, I will state then I generally support a Lassie Fair system of government, as well as a free market economy so I tend to not support publicly funded programs designed to bride gaps within society.  It is my belief that an open and free market will act as a best representation towards society.  If the free market is regulated or constrained, then the overall progress and quality of life of the many will suffer to include the few.

            I can still recall the days when internet access through such networks as AOL and Prodigy were sold on a per hour basis with each hour costing around $3.00, and the fastest modem available was a 300 bit/second transceiver that could cost almost $1000.  Since technology was able to adapt to the needs of the free market economy on its own, you can now receive unlimited dial up internet access for under $10 a month or even free with such services as Netzero, and you can connect on at 56,000 bits/per second on a modem that was purchased for under $10 also. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Luyt, B. (2006) Defining the Digital Divide. Vol 58, 4. ASLIB Proceedings p254-266

Menou, M. & Taylor, R. (2006) A “Grand Challenge”: Measuring Information Societies. 22, The Information Society p 261-267

Salinas, R. (2003) Addressing the digital divide through collection development. Vol 22, 3. Collection Building. P131-136 

Schement, J. (2003) Measuring what Jefferson knew and De Tocqueville saw: libraries as bridges across the digital divide. Vol 1, 4. IT & Society. P118-125

U.S. Department of Commerce (2001) A Nation Online: Entering the Broadband Age.  Retrieved February 15, 2007 http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/dn/html