Abstract The paper addresses the gender gap within the digitaldivide between men and women, and across nations and economic levels. It gives reasons why the gender gap is a cause for concern, and why the digitaldivide is important.
From the Paper "Men and women do not access information and communication technology ICT at the same rates nor do they enter the fields that develop future ICT applications and direction at the same rates. There is a digital divide that is widening between men and women in this regard and the divide exists across nations and economic levels. This research considers the digital divide in general, the gender gap within the digital divide in particular and reasons that the gender gap ..."
Abstract There are many in today's society who do not have access to the internet and this fact automatically makes them 'digitally challenged'. This paper analyzes three articles which tackled the different dimensions or facets of the digitaldivide in the United States. Through the article analyses, the researcher posits that the problem of digitaldivide has multiple, rather than one, facet. This means that at present, the internet-oriented society confronts 'digitaldivides' of different kinds: Stratification in terms of access, use and even knowledge or education about the internet.
From the Paper "At present, societies from all over the world are rapidly becoming Internet-oriented, where almost all daily activities are mediated by or use Internet and computer technologies. The vital role of the Internet is especially addressed in increasing one's level of knowledge and becoming an aid in achieving formal education. Moreover, because of the generally-beneficial effects of Internet technology to society, accessing and using it has become imperative for all members of these Internet-oriented societies.
However, a digital divide exists despite the proliferation of Internet technology and use. There are still stratified groups that do not have access to the computer and Internet. Moreover, apart from lack or absence of access, the lack of skills and knowledge to use the Internet is another problem that relevant institutions such as the government and schools have been trying to curb by offering free access and training programs to the public about Internet use."
This paper discusses the "digitaldivide"-- a term used to describe the disparities in the availability of information and technologies that are instrumental in learning and earning more over a lifetime.
Abstract This paper discusses the "digitaldivide" that exists in the United States. First, the author defines this term as referring to the disparity in learning and earning potential based on income, race, geography, ethnicity and many other social factors. Next, the Internet is shown to be a measure of this problem. Third world countries are also considered in terms of the "digitaldivide." Finally, the paper suggests ways of overcoming this problem and the role of IT professionals in finding a solution.
From the Paper "There is a significant digital divide in the United States, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, and throughout both westernized and third world nations too. The digital divide is a term that refers to wide disparities in the availability of information and technologies that are instrumental in learning and earning more over a lifetime. The Internet has become an indispensable tool for gaining greater knowledge and skills through distance learning. Due to the digital divide, the potential to advancement out of poverty for those in low-income regions of the U.S. and the world greatly diminishes their ability to break the cycle of poverty in their families. The digital divide is defined as the disparity in learning and earning potential based on income, race, geography, ethnicity and many other social factors."
Tags: Information, technology, Internet, third, world
Abstract This paper discusses the digitaldivide within the United States and worldwide. It discusses the reasons for the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not and the implications of the gap. The paper then looks at possible solutions to the problems caused by the digitaldivide and the writer's opinion of the solutions' merits.
From the Paper "It is my opinion that the digital divide might never be bridged, the gap between the haves and the have nots is too wide and donating computers and software applications to underdeveloped areas is not going to solve the problem. Innovation and technological advancements are hard to catch up with due to economic and education problems especially from a global perceptive. For example, it is complicated to educate someone in East Africa about the internet when they lack electricity and have no TVs. The goal should be to help the world one day at a time by providing essential amenities for survival and hopefully information technology will spread."
Abstract This paper studies the digitaldivide - the fact that many people have not yet been exposed to technology and other have. It discusses some of the possible reasons for this such as gender, socioeconomic conditions, ethnicity, as well as many other reasons. It discusses technology implementation in the school system regardless of ethnicity so that every child is given an equal opportunity. It concludes that technology access has increased in the recent years but there is still a long way to go, especially in schools.
From the Paper " ? The role of education in contributing to a fairer society has always been double edged. When successful in widening participation in learning, its contribution is powerful and positive. But too often, it can have the opposite effect of being socially selective, even divisive? (Istance, 2001, Abstract, p.1). The price for missing out on education is high. However, many people are not afforded the same educational opportunities as others. Differences in gender, socio-economic background, ethnicity, people with special needs, and people's experience with and access to technology limit their chances at quality education. With a world that changes and progresses as fast as it does, educational equity must span a lifetime."
Tags: computer, digital, divide, education, implementation, internet, technology, women
Abstract This paper aims to develop an understanding of how the digitaldivide can adversely affect emerging nations and to identify effective and timely methods whereby access to such technologies can be improved in developing nations in general, and in Ethiopia in particular. It employs a mixed-method strategy to achieve these goals. The multiple-method strategy is adopted for this study in order to reduce the possibility of personal bias by not depending on only one method of approach or response coming from only one company, individual or sector. Employing the mixed-method approach therefore supports and reinforces the authenticity of the study. The paper employs both qualitative and quantitative data in a variety of ways, including a detailed overview of survey results in terms of a general profile and a model of Ethiopian small firms and how they are employing IT to improve their access to markets. Surveys were also conducted with a convenience sample of respondents who were interested or involved with promoting the small business sector in Ethiopia.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction to the Study
Introduction
Technology and Social Change
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Theoretical Foundation
Significance
Definitions of Technical Terms
Limitations
Summary
Chapter Two: Review of the Literature
Chapter Three: Methodology/Research Design
Introduction
Methods
Population and Sampling Procedures
Instrumentation (Validity, Reliability)
Summary of the Pilot Study
Data Collection Procedures
Data Analysis
Statistical Procedures
Chapter Four: Findings
Chapter Five: Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "In the Age of Information, an important topic of growing concern to most countries around the world, the 'Digital Divide" is generally defined as being the degree of the gap in technology ownership and access between those who are affluent and those who are poor or live in rural areas with limited or no access to the Internet. According to Melvin Delgado (2002), the origins of the term "digital divide" have been traced back to Al Gore, the then vice president, in 1996. There is controversy about aspects of the divide, as Conhaim (2000) noted: "A debate is raging about the Digital Divide, which is the gap between 'haves' and 'have nots' in the fast-moving, globally interlinked, computerized world" (p. 8). Improving the levels of access and ownership relates to three fundamental factors: race, geography and economic status (Charp, 2001). There are an estimated 429 million people online globally, but even this staggering number is small when considered in context. For example, of those 429 million, fully 41 percent live in North America; in addition, 429 million people represents only 6 percent of the world's entire population."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines three key issues in the U.K. The writer looks at anti-social behavior and youth crime. The matter of neighborhoods and housing are then examined. Finally, the writer discusses the issue of the digitaldivide. The writer then explores how these matters are related and what the Government must do about them.
From the Paper "There is crisis in England. Though it may seem that the biggest problems for Britain's own are half a world away in Iraq, there is a war of terror bubbling just underneath the surface right here in the U.K. Not necessarily the kind of terror that endangers society at large as in a terrorist organization, but the terror that all too many families encounter in being excluded from society, excluded to the point of being unable ... "
Tags: UK, Government, poverty, social exclusion, digitaldivide
Abstract This paper examines a new Internet site used by the State of North Carolina, the NC @ Your Service Portal (www.ncgov.com), which provides a "one-stop shop" filled with information and services for the citizens, businesses and state employees of North Carolina. It looks at the possibilities and potential pit-falls that this new site and governmental attitude offers to the public and private sectors and their relationships with the government by examining such variables as the role of government in the digital age, information availability and ease of use, interconnectedness, the ?digitaldivide?, and facilitation of personal involvement.
From the Paper "The NC @ Your Service site features three statewide portals -- a citizen portal, a business portal, and an employee portal. Information or applications currently available through North Carolina agency web sites are accessible via the portals. These portals are designed and organized to allow North Carolina citizens, businesses, and state employees to navigate to an information source or application based on what they want to do. In addition, each portal can be personalized such that an individual may select the content that appears on his or her portal. One of the purposes of the new site is to insure that the users are getting the information that they desire online, instead of what agencies want online..."
Tags: computer, digital, divide, internet, page, portal, web
Abstract This paper presents the socioeconomic problems of modern society that are strongly represented by the specific problem of the so-called "DigitalDivide," the existence of inequalities as they relate to computer technology. The paper contends that the "DigitalDivide" is one of the most pressing issues today for white facilitators in human services organizations to consider, especially when dealing with clients or community members of ethnic minorities. The paper explains that the "DigitalDivide" is a result of the achievement gap, a social problem that has persisted throughout many eras as the cause for the increasingly maintained and growing space between the upper and lower classes. Those who are privileged in society have access to tools and information, which will further their advancement, while those who are underprivileged will miss out on the opportunities they might otherwise be able to use to better themselves.
From the Paper "Human services are intended to be a system of services designed to solve problems. It is because of the fact that human services are combating problems that already exist, combined with the nature of the social structures which are embedded into the system, that a plethora of problems plague these services. According to the York Human Services Department, "Human services are those programs and services that support a safe, healthy community and maintain and promote its quality of life." (York) Human services include police, schools, hospitals, social services, public health, and many other organizations that provide vital programs to the human population in each region and as a whole. Human services suffer from problems ranging from funding shortages, to mismanagement, to internal corruption, to apathy among workers."
Abstract This paper examines the government's ability to promote internet access and the consequences of the digitaldivide. Even in the wake of the Information Technology revolution and in a neo-liberal era of constraint, government can play a key role in internet access and elimination of the digitaldivide.
Abstract This paper examines how, although Internet and computer technology are greatly beneficial to the educational status of students, they are also unfair tools that give only the economically comfortable students an opportunity to better themselves. It discusses how the development of a digitaldivide, defined by Kevin Taglang as the gap between those who have access to computers and the Internet, and those who do not, increases the gap between the educational opportunities offered to white, English-speaking and economically comfortable Americans and non-English-speaking, non-white, and poor Americans.
From the Paper "The introduction of computer and internet technology into almost all American classrooms does not solve the digital divide problem as the economic factor prevents such a solution. To benefit fully from computer and internet technology for education, it is important that students have continuous access to this tool. As discussed by Minkel, students should have access to such technology from their homes, so they can benefit from the Internet as a research guide and helper in homework. However, the home owning of computers is so mainly limited for the economically comfortable White Americans and is excluding for the minority ethnic and racial groups."
Abstract This paper examines how Malaysia, India and the Philippines are dealing with digitaldivide, how Thailand, India and China are dealing with exclusion by language and how Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam and Singapore are dealing with cultural pollution. Through a comparative study, it shows the governments of the above mentioned countries are heavily involved in trying to do away with the negative impacts of the Internet that plague their countries.
Outline
Abstract
Table of contents
Chapter One - Introduction
Chapter Two - Literature Review
Chapter Three - Methodology
Chapter Four - Findings
Chapter Five - Summary of Findings, Limitations of the Study, Suggestions For Further Research and Conclusions
References
From the Paper "Afemann begins with Internet hosts statistics from Network Wizards. There were almost 20 million hosts on the Internet in July 1997. The US gets about sixty per cent of all Internet hosts while the Third World is participating with a mere three per cent. The paper goes on to say that about 82.5 per cent of worldwide Internet hosts are in the G7-countries, which make up only about ten per cent of world population. However, the most populated countries of the Third World, namely China, India, Brazil and Nigeria all together make up only 0.6% of all hosts although they possess about a third of world population. In Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa, there were only four Internet hosts in January 1997."
Abstract This well-researched paper examines the pros and cons of our growing reliance on the internet in a variety of areas, including journalism, education, business and communication. One of the most positive and least contested views is related to the importance of the internet in education. This paper examines how the internet provides a good basis for educational reform and the reduction of division and inequalities through ubiquitous networking. On the other hand, there are commentators who state that the internet is not equally available for all. This paper discusses the 'digitaldivide' which proves that many countries and areas within societies do not have the same access to technology as others. This paper discusses how modern businesses around the world have woken up to the advantages and possibilities of the internet, in areas such as online marketing and e-commerce. The writer of this paper contends and explains how the internet has negatively affected the field of journalism. This paper also delves into the societal aspect of the internet. Many advocates of the internet stress the positive aspects of technological change in a social context, while at the same time many critics point to the negative effects that the internet is having on society. For example, they refer to the increasing anonymity and depersonalization though communication via electronic media.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Positive and Negative Effects
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "One of the central areas in which the Internet has already had a profound effect, is the world of journalism and politics. Prior to the growth of the Internet and the proliferation of communication and networking technologies such as Weblogs, all perceptions about society and politics were filtered through a process of editing and " censorship" by companies and corporations. In other words, the perceptions of the world and current events were largely determined by and dependent on the ethics and impartiality of newspaper and media editors. However, the status quo has been dramatically altered with the recent popularity and growth of the Internet. With the development of Internet technologies such as RSS, Weblogs and others, new modes of interactive news reportage have become a part of the ordinary life."
Discusses the use of digital imaging in hospital radiology departments, the promise it holds, how it is evolving and the main types of digital imaging.
Abstract This paper explains that, in spite of the usefulness and potential of the digital imaging process in hospital radiology departments, the cost of the equipment it requires has stopped digital imaging in hospital radiology departments from progressing and growing as fast as was hoped. The paper also explains that the slow progression towards digital imagery does not mean that the importance for the future that the technology holds should be discounted. The paper then discusses the two main types of digital imaging systems as they relate to hospital radiology departments and concludes with a discussion of image quality and its significance. A copy of the source documents used are also appended to the paper.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of Digital Imaging
Computed Radiography (CR)
Digital Radiography (DR)
Image Quality
From the Paper "Digital imaging in hospital radiology departments came about for several reasons. The most important of these, however, was the idea that the digital images could be viewed by any authorized person at any time, thus making it much easier and faster for those that needed to see them to have access to these images (Gillespie, 1999). These digital images eliminate the need for films and film libraries, thus freeing up space, as well. However, there are still problems with this issue that have stopped digital imaging in hospital radiology departments from progressing and growing as fast as was hoped. The major concern for these departments is the cost that is incurred when it comes to the digital imaging equipment, which is much more expensive than the older methods that were previously used to take x-rays and perform other functions (Gillespie, 1999)."
Abstract This paper defines digital radiography as a branch of radiography which converts X-ray images to electronic data which can then be viewed and read by radiologists on a monitor. The writer stresses the convenience of being able to store digital radiographic images on computer discs. This paper details the various uses and advantages of digital radiography including the fact that this particular method is quicker and far more accurate than the previous practice of producing x-ray images. This paper discusses the differences between computed radiography and digital direct radiography while also delving into the pros and cons of both radiographic methods.
From the Paper "The 'Direct Digital Radiography' System provides options for the transition to digital technology. This system offers the highest quality images that are available in DR today. Developed only in recent years, the system can be used across a large number of potential applications. The advantages of the system are that it consists of two types of detectors, one direct and the other, indirect. In the setup for its imaging, indirect sensors convert x-rays into light, and then convert that into electronic signals. The images depend on both signal profiles as well as on image resolution. The system relies on a scintillation method, wherein x-ray energy may be converted into light, and this light can then be converted into electronic signals by thin-film diodes."
Tags: computer, digital, technology, radiology, x-ray, film
