As we have progressed through this course, the term “digital
divide” continues to echo through numerous conversations. It is discussed through
the same lens time and time again. The divide refers to the difference in
economic and social importance. Those who have more, get more; the difference
between those of privilege and those lacking privilege. Now for a minute I want
everyone to consider other lenses to view the “digital divide”.
In the article, https://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201411/great-digital-divide-healthcare-older-americans-may-be-left,
a new view, a new look at how technology and knowledge can separate us as a
society. It is not based on money, or privilege, or social status. This
“digital divide” crosses all economic boundaries to inflict its debilitating effect
on a specific age group of Americans, the elderly. The article speaks to the
availability and proliferation of the use of digital technology to assist
patients in becoming more informed and participate in a comprehensive overview
of their medical records. Healthcare providers are utilizing technology in
order to enable citizens to participate in their treatments and streamline
auxiliary functions. Medical providers have created online applications such as
online bill pay, insurance provider information, and patient portals for direct
access to patient records.
The problem is that less than one third of Americans use the
web for health information. If you couple that with less than ten percent of
that one third have the competent ability to navigate the online healthcare
system. These numbers are alarming. (1) The elderly as a group are the largest
consumers of healthcare products in the U.S. However, it would seem that the
progress and innovation that has enabled healthcare to evolve so much has left
its largest consumer in the dark. The question that can now be presented is: how
can this population become literate of web-based healthcare and actively
utilize these new options? Here is a case of market failure. Private industry
has not recognized a method for profitability to educate the elderly in this
technology. The government has either been unable or unwilling to create and
implement resources to assist the elderly in obtaining the needed education so
they may navigate through this new technology. Could a not for profit
organization be created with a mission to help and enable the senior population
to employ these new avenues of communication and information? Or does this
segment of our society continue to fall behind and dwell in obscurity?
The next alternate lens to examine the concept of “digital
divide” comes from the article, http://www.cityandstateny.com/2/83/bridging-the-digital-divide.html#.VG7fA4vF_po.
Here the author examines the New York State educational system and the gaps
that exist in the technology sector. The author exploits the fact that many
teachers in the classroom today have to consider and accept that in all
likelihood many of their students know more about technology than they do. Here
the educator is being taught by the student. This is a confusing and troubling
role reversal. The article discusses the heightened need for professional
development, for educators, in technology while also discussing the desire for
implementation of computer science in the core curriculum. Now we have a
digital divide of knowledge and comprehension of technology between educator
and student, with the student being more advanced. Also included in the article is the City of
New York’s intent to bridge the “digital divide” as far as some of the hardware
involved. In an attempt to bring more and better technology to NYC schools
there is a heightened urgency to enhance the fiber and broadband components as
well as other computer hardware. Along with NYC efforts to overcome the problem
of “unequal access to broadband technology… there is an initiative to convert
8400 public payphones into Wi-Fi hotspots.” This program will help address two
major concerns for the city. It will reduce both the “digital desert and the
digital divide.” This is a novel idea with a fantastic opportunity for
innovation and renovation. This futuristic vision will make use of the existing
infrastructure while implementing new technology to support the people.
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