Digital Divide

In this article, The Myth about the Digital Divide…”, Hawkins and Oblinger discuss the meaning of the term Digital Divide. First, they explain that there is still a divide even though the gap is gradually shrinking. The reason that the divide still exist is the fact that the divide can mean a number of things. While students may have a computer, it may not be a new model and therefore lacks special features that new systems have. Students who may have a fully loaded computer may not understand how to use all of the features. Still, some may be savvy with using certain Online tools, but may be inefficient in other areas. Still while the system may contain all of the features, the student may not have access to the Internet. Again, even with all of the capabilities, the student may not have the access to sources that can provide tutorials or coaching when they run into a problem with their system or how to utilize functions and tools that they may not understand. In the study titled, "Second-Level Digital Divide… ", Eszter Hargittai, discusses pretty much what Hawkins and Oblinger mention. She concludes that the digital divide goes beyond the ownership of a computer and even the access to Online features . She explains that ability to efficiently and skillfully use the Internet is another type of digital divide which age does play a role in. She explains that younger users from the teens through the twenties are more savvy users. Still slower users, with practice and time, have room for improvement.