HELPING BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: SOLUTIONS FOR TECHNOLOGICAL DEPRIVATION, AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY AND ACQUIRING NEEDED COMPUTER SKILLS

摘要

Ten years into the Twenty-first century and we still have a large segment of our population that either lacks even basic technological hardware, internet connectivity, the skill set or any combination of the above. Each individual item a valid issue within itself but all intertwined into the overall picture that separates those having not from those that have. The very "gap" this paper addresses. Citing the continuing trend in the business world, the educational sector and branches of government, towards more online interaction and data exchange, viewed primarily from the view of the under privileged and disadvantaged but in reality affecting everyone, this paper examines the need for viable equipment, affordable connectivity and the basic skills necessary citing examples involving real people. Several solutions for each component of the problem are offered and each of us is encouraged to become part of the solution for helping bridge the digital divide.