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"Digital Divide"
By
Mike Geronimo Lanier
Webmaster
The digital divide is real. As the global economy steams full speed ahead, the professionals, workers, students and populace that are digitally
aware will be at the forefront of the opportunities that are available. The crumbs may not be enough to sustain us this time around.
As we celebrate our heritage this month, take special notice as to what you can do to contribute to the Diaspora. Conquering the digital divide is
a two headed problem. On one hand we have issues relative to access and cost. On the other hand we have issues relative to education and awareness.
A lot of effort has been placed on making access a non-issue. You can now go to many community centers and libraries for free high bandwidth
access. Wherever there is a phone line, you can have access to the Internet. High bandwidth access in rural areas can still be an issue, but most everywhere else you can find high bandwidth access.
There are programs that basically giveaway computers to those that need them. The global economy has pushed costs down for technology across the
board. The cost of technology has dropped significantly to where computers are just as cheap and disposable as VCRs. We cannot use cost as an excuse anymore.
Education is one of those issues that can be tied directly to awareness. There are plenty of educational opportunities relative to new digital
technologies in and around our communities. We have all sorts of books, instructional videos and CDs, classes at the community centers and organizations to help us understand how to use the new digital
technologies.
Awareness is the biggest impediment to reducing the digital divide. Most people who are not digitally connected are not aware of the benefits the
new technology provides for them. It is this lack of awareness that is fueling the digital divide more then anything else.
Statistics are out there that show that the higher your family income is the more likely you will be to own a PC and be online. The same with the
more formally educated you are or whether you live in the suburbs or the city.
All of these trends and statistics are true but do not properly reflect that awareness of the utility of technology can be a driving force. We all
know that if you want something bad enough, most of us will find a way to get it. The same can be said with technology. The issue is - knowing that you need it, knowing that technology will give you an
advantage in the marketplace, your profession, or in school.
When we desire something strong enough, we cannot be denied. We will go to great lengths to get those special rims for the ride, or that purse to
match that outfit, or the latest entertainment center gadget. Once we understand what benefit a technology will afford us, we will make sure we have it and use it.
When you understand that it is to your advantage to have your business contacts in digital form on your computer or personal data assistant – that
is bridging the digital divide. When you understand that knowing how to affectively surf the web for information will allow you to find hidden college scholarships and employment opportunities – that is
bridging the digital divide. When you understand that having a wireless pocket PC helps you manage your sales accounts – that is bridging the digital divide. When you understand that having a website for
your business helps services your existing customers as well as attract new ones – that is bridging the digital divide.
Once we are aware of how something can affect our lives for the better, we tend not to let people, corporations or governments get in our way. The
power of the will is a strong force. It is up to you to understand what technology can do for you. Technology is just a tool, a means to an end. When you decide where you want to go you will do whatever
it takes to get there.
Educating the children
A global issue
Access to computers
If you have any specific questions, feel free to email the Webmaster - Mike Geronimo Lanier at webmaster@etigerteam.com
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