In Conclusion
Well here we are. My last entry for the semester. I must say writing this blog and researching this topic has been enlightening for me. The subject of the digital divide is something that I have been thinking about for years. Over the years I have read many articles regarding the digital divide, and after reading Cooper's work in "The Inmates are Running the Asylum", I decided to revisit the subject.
Initially, I believed that many people of color, who do not have access to technology, would suffer in the world economy. This belief continues, however my reasoning has been somewhat reshaped regarding the reasons for this condition. My thoughts are that very soon technological literacy will be just as important as reading and writing (traditional literacy), Cooper's ideas notwithstanding. But things have changed a great deal over the last few years regarding this issue. Many efforts have been made by people like Tavis Smiley (http://www.tavistalks) and his Blacks in Technology (BITS) forum, and the efforts of Bill and Melinda Gates, who have donated millions to the cause of getting computers to urban youth. In fact, Microsoft has teamed with Tavis on his BITS forum.
This brings me to my conclusion on this issue. I now believe that though, much of this problem has to do with economic disadvantages, I am no longer totally convinced that it is only an economic issue. My current belief is that we need to change the way people think regarding technology. I remember a line from the Spike Lee classic 'X', which chronicled the transformation of Malcolm Little to Malcolm X. While he was still in prison, one of his prison mates was trying to convince him to read and learn his history, Malcolm'x response was "What the hell for man?". I believe many in the Black community has taken this stance regarding technology. They don't see the point
This is my cue. After interviewing several educators, and leaders in the community as part of my leadership project, I posed this question to many. The responses confirms that this may indeed be the biggest aspect of the problem. Many of these educators say their school is full of computers, but some teachers have to be convinced to use them, and that certainly affects the attitude of the students regarding technology use.
I intend to help them see the point. Just as Malcolm could not see the point to reading and learning, many in the Black community, do not see the point in learning about computers and technology. While there is still much poverty in the Black community, the community as a whole is not poor. There are plenty resources. The problem is where do we spend the money. Do we spend it on books. Do we spend it on computers and learning about technology? Are teachers in communities of color being persuaded of the importance of learning about and using technology for instruction. One thing that I would like to see is for all educators to read the work of Dr. Claud Anderson, Powernomics. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0966170229/qid=1134746716/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-7466459-5360164?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)
The solution to the problem has come full circle. This problem can be solved through education. I am so glad to have discovered this, since that is exactly why I have endeavored to study education, so that I can be an agent of change, and provide the leadership needed to solve a plethora of problems, and erasing the digital divide just happens to be one of them.
Initially, I believed that many people of color, who do not have access to technology, would suffer in the world economy. This belief continues, however my reasoning has been somewhat reshaped regarding the reasons for this condition. My thoughts are that very soon technological literacy will be just as important as reading and writing (traditional literacy), Cooper's ideas notwithstanding. But things have changed a great deal over the last few years regarding this issue. Many efforts have been made by people like Tavis Smiley (http://www.tavistalks) and his Blacks in Technology (BITS) forum, and the efforts of Bill and Melinda Gates, who have donated millions to the cause of getting computers to urban youth. In fact, Microsoft has teamed with Tavis on his BITS forum.
This brings me to my conclusion on this issue. I now believe that though, much of this problem has to do with economic disadvantages, I am no longer totally convinced that it is only an economic issue. My current belief is that we need to change the way people think regarding technology. I remember a line from the Spike Lee classic 'X', which chronicled the transformation of Malcolm Little to Malcolm X. While he was still in prison, one of his prison mates was trying to convince him to read and learn his history, Malcolm'x response was "What the hell for man?". I believe many in the Black community has taken this stance regarding technology. They don't see the point
This is my cue. After interviewing several educators, and leaders in the community as part of my leadership project, I posed this question to many. The responses confirms that this may indeed be the biggest aspect of the problem. Many of these educators say their school is full of computers, but some teachers have to be convinced to use them, and that certainly affects the attitude of the students regarding technology use.
I intend to help them see the point. Just as Malcolm could not see the point to reading and learning, many in the Black community, do not see the point in learning about computers and technology. While there is still much poverty in the Black community, the community as a whole is not poor. There are plenty resources. The problem is where do we spend the money. Do we spend it on books. Do we spend it on computers and learning about technology? Are teachers in communities of color being persuaded of the importance of learning about and using technology for instruction. One thing that I would like to see is for all educators to read the work of Dr. Claud Anderson, Powernomics. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0966170229/qid=1134746716/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-7466459-5360164?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)
The solution to the problem has come full circle. This problem can be solved through education. I am so glad to have discovered this, since that is exactly why I have endeavored to study education, so that I can be an agent of change, and provide the leadership needed to solve a plethora of problems, and erasing the digital divide just happens to be one of them.
posted by Kai Ajala Dupé at 7:06 AM
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