Issues+and+Background+Hum3+Group4

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The Digital Divide is a gap that stretches between the technological items that people from different economical stages have. Closing the Digital Divide is a huge priority, as not only will it bring countries closer in terms of technology, but it will eventually help fight the war against poverty in the long run. With technology, less fortunate people will be able to find themselves job opportunities through the Internet. Also, with proper training, they will be able to manage finances and receive healthcare benefits. As Li He, a philanthropist who has been donating computers to poor schools in China once said about these people, “It’s easy to forget about those who have been left behind and whose lives remain largely untouched by the information revolution.”[1] We aim to be like Li He, to help less fortunate people experience the benefits of technology. Being part of the top 8% of the world in terms of wealth, it is up to us to help the other 92% gain access to technology. Just imagine the possibilities if they did. They will no longer be divided from the rest of the world, and would be up to date with current events. They may even be able to educate themselves through online lessons. In fact, why stop the digital divide later if we don’t stop it now?

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http://eppsnet.com/images/digital-divide.jpg

__**Why is this issue a global one? What is the main problem?**__ The Digital Divide is a global issue because it represents the technological divide between the wealthy and the poor. It shows that wealthy people have an advantage over the poor as they can reap the benefits of technology such as Internet service, Microsoft products and programs such as MSN. The main problem, is more of a problem in 3 parts than just one big problem. The 3 problems are the economic divide, the usability divide and the empowerment divide(Nielsen), and it is up to us to close these 3 divides as soon as possible so that all human beings can share the benefits digital technology offers.

__**How is this issue affecting the world?**__ This issue is affecting the world because a lot of people in developing countries do not have access to digital technology, like we do. As a result, these people are left behind as the world's technology continues to improve and because they are left behind, the Digital Divide between developed nations and developing nations continues to widen. This is a bad thing, because not only are these people missing out all these aforementioned opportunities, but some people who do have access to digital technology may think of themselves as superior to those who don't, especially in times such as this, where technology surrounds us in everyday life. So is it fair that only the more well-off people can revel in the joys of technology while everyone else misses out? I don't think so.

__**What's being done to stop the Digital Divide?**__ There are currently many efforts going on to try and close the Digital Divide. One of the key players in these attempts are UNICEF. UNICEF is currently trying to educate people in China about technology by sending teachers and computers to the poorer places in China to teach them how to use computers. Another organisation in particular is the One Laptop Per Child organisation. They developed an affordable laptop that almost anyone can buy. They are also donating some of these laptops to poorer children in developing countries, so that they can benefit from digital technology.

__**List of organisations working on the Digital Divide:**__ More can be learned about what is being done to close the Digital Divide at these links:

[|One Laptop Per Child] [|Washington State University's Centre to Bridge the Digital Divide] [|Beaumont Foundation of America] [|Web Standards Project] [1]~Rong, Jiaojiao. "Distance learning project bridges the digital divide in China." UNICEF 1. 22, January, 2008  2. Nielsen, Jakob. "Digital Divide: The Three Stages." __useit.com__. 20 Nov 2006. Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox. 31 Jan 2008 <[|http://www.useit.com/alertbox/digital-divide.html>.]
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