The digital divide in america's public schools

Abstract

Through a national debate inaugurated by A Nation at Risk, a United States government-sponsored report, there has developed at least tacit accord that a digital divide exists in public schools and there are stark differences in technology training and availability of computers in communities based on race, other demographics, and disability status of students. Access to the instruments of the information and computer world are only part of the problem. Availability of broadband and other high speed Internet services and speciality servicing are also issues to be addressed. In addition, teacher training and teacher attitudes are variables that contribute to the divide, especially where students of color or students with special needs make up a large percentage of the school population. The divide increases exponentially each year, thereby widening the gap between the “haves” and “have nots” within the information enterprise. This chapter outlines these concerns, providing areas of liability that could be faced by school district personnel who fail to render an equal educational opportunity to students in the 21st century.

Citation

Daniel, P.T.K. (2002), "The digital divide in america's public schools", Hunter, R.C. and Brown, F. (Ed.) Challenges of Urban Education and Efficacy of School Reform (Advances in Educational Administration, Vol. 6), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 145-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-3660(03)80012-4