We use the term “Digital Divide” to describe the fact that low-income adults are not able to afford computers or internet service and are therefore unable to access technology as well as they should.
Usually these adults are immigrants who know little or no English, the “low-beginners”.
Well, now there is a solution to this problem that includes:
1. Teaching computer basics in adult literacy classes.
2. Studying “user-friendly” programs in ESL instruction, such as YouTube, Google and my websites: pumarosa and inglesconprofepablo.
3. Providing a means for students to own a low-cost computer.
4. Using Smart Phones or cell phones as part of instruction.
5. Providing texts, CDs, and DVDs as well as lessons on Thumb drives.
6. Advertising – publicity.
I have been working on this problem in my classes at a public library for a year.
And now the students have formed small groups to study in their houses. So I am able to visit each group and put a little more attention on using technology more and more.
In this way a network can be formed that will, finally, Bridge that Digital Divide!!!
Usually these adults are immigrants who know little or no English, the “low-beginners”.
Well, now there is a solution to this problem that includes:
1. Teaching computer basics in adult literacy classes.
2. Studying “user-friendly” programs in ESL instruction, such as YouTube, Google and my websites: pumarosa and inglesconprofepablo.
3. Providing a means for students to own a low-cost computer.
4. Using Smart Phones or cell phones as part of instruction.
5. Providing texts, CDs, and DVDs as well as lessons on Thumb drives.
6. Advertising – publicity.
I have been working on this problem in my classes at a public library for a year.
And now the students have formed small groups to study in their houses. So I am able to visit each group and put a little more attention on using technology more and more.
In this way a network can be formed that will, finally, Bridge that Digital Divide!!!
If you would like more information, please contact me.
Paul Rogers
805-258-3310
PUMAROSA.COM
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/paul.rogers.7509836
YouTube: ingles con profe pablo
Google-wix: inglesconprofepablo.com
Comments
Hi all,
Paul, I really like your list of strategies that we can use to help overcome the digital divide, but I want to broaden the discussion with a discussion about technology and information access.
Highlights from the resource linked above include:
"The Digital Divide is a social issue referring to the differing amount of information between those who have access to the Internet and those who do not have access...Broadly speaking, the difference is not necessarily determined by the access to the Internet, but by access to ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) and to Media that the different segments of society can use. Closing the digital divide is essential for economic equality, social mobility, and democracy."
So how can we maximize the great examples you are showing to help learners overcome the digital divide as it applies to information access?
Sincerely,
Kathy Tracey
@Kathy_Tracey
Kathy, could you give a few examples of what you mean by technology and information access?
In general, we learn everythng in stages, developmentally, and my aim is to bridge the divide at the basic level. After that it would be a function of adding on incrementally.
In other words, one step at a time. The first stage is to actually build that bridge, which in this case is creating an interest in using computers and then in buying one, even though used. So then your question would be how to develop awareness to more complicated phenomena online.