Ways to End the Digital Divide

The Digital Divide – How I think it can be bridged

            The digital divide is the difference between those who have available access to computers and Internet and those who don’t. The digital divide has a devastating impact on many around the world, and even the U.S is affected with 71 percent of Americans who are subscribed to broadband at home. At some point, the Internet and access to technology, or computers, needs to be readily available to primarily all students in school and even in their own homes where independent learning experiences are most important. Furthermore, there are obstacles in achieving this mission, but it isn’t impossible to provide access to the Internet and computers for students affected by the digital divide that need greater assistance than their upbringing and environment could provide for.
            To start, the community, schools, and nonprofit organizations need to be more willing to work with families to provide students discounted technology and Internet service at home, outside-school learning materials (given or uploaded to a device), after-school access, and affordable information for families who qualify for free and reduced-price school lunch programs. By implementing these actions, there is a greater chance to bridging the digital divide. From the support of the community, schools, and nonprofit organizations, all students on the wrong side of the digital gap will have a better and fair chance in continuing their learning experience at home that is considered the most important time. Furthermore, students are less likely to fall behind in class and stay on top of assignments with greater access to the Internet, a computer (or device), and online viewing materials for school. In addition, parents can save money for the necessities while helping provide for their child’s educational experience.

(Poster representing the issue and solution of the Digital Divide affecting millions of people)

Media Literacy - Digital Etiquette Issue

Media Literacy Issues: Digital Etiquette

(Video Summary: As media literacy and technology is advancing with expectation, many teens are guilty of poor digital etiquette and need more parental advisory to help teens use more appropriate behavior when using digital technology, social networking sites, etc.)

Xianhui and Wanli (2018) suggest that proper digital etiquette, as part of digital citizenship, is of the utmost importance for teens learning how and when to start engaging in the Internets and social networking sites (SNS). Digital etiquette, focused from digital citizenship, is very similar regarding the standard of conduct and behavior that is expected from digital technology users. Reinforcing ethical online behavior and discouraging risky conduct for teens early on is the source for acceptable digital etiquette. Research was conducted to examine the effects of parental involvement with children in their youth as teens and how their digital etiquette improves on account of their guidance. These factors are important to compare together because correct digital etiquette, or mannerisms with the Internet and technology, can greatly influence users’ safety while using different technology and features. The results of these findings are in support of my hypothesis: Teens whose parents are more involved in their digital technology usage tend to show significant improvements in their digital etiquette and safety.

Studies have been conducted on the relationship between a teens’ digital etiquette and the influence of parental involvement to ensure a more responsible digital independence and ethical online behavior for their teen. It’s beneficial that parents can intervene in their child’s Internet activity, but it’s hard for them to monitor and control all their social networking site (SNS) activity. Parents aren’t always around to keep an eye on their teen. To make matters more difficult, another barrier parents struggle to overcome is their own ignorance and lack of experience when it comes to using technology. This paper examines Xianhui and Wanli’s (2018) findings among other researchers for the purpose of further research that is most current at this time to examine the relationship between a teens’ digital etiquette and the affects of parental digital technology intervention.

- Dylan Doss

Digital Citizenship & Voting 2018

Digital Citizenship & Voting 2018

Don't be like many others young people in our country!... get out and VOTE and understand that the young voters make up half the election so all youth needs to be pushed in understanding politics at a young age.

(Vote 2018 Campaign Poster)

(Vote 2018 Campaign :60 video)

- Dylan Doss