CHAPTER 1 The World of Computers
The Digital Divide: Is It Racial or Economic?
Much has been made in the news about an ever-growing digital divide that hereto for has been described primarily along racial lines. The divide refers to the disparity between groups of people who have computers and access to the Internet and those who do not. A comprehensive Forrester Research study gives us some insight into this digital divide. Politicians have presented the digital divide as a disparity between races, generally white and African-American. The study reveals that the digital divide is not so much an issue of race, but of economics. A very high percentage of those with the economic resources to have PCs and be online make the cyber investment. Those without funds don't have that option.
Bonuses to Technology Savvy Teachers
One of the biggest concerns regarding the integration of technology into the classroom has been the lack of technology preparedness on the part of teachers. The United States Congress has proposed that teachers willing to achieve certification in an information technology course would be awarded a $5000 cash bonus. Eventually funds would be extended to other groups, including senior citizens, veterans, and others.