The digital divide is something we always face when it comes to technology. there are always those who are computer and technology guru's and then those who don't understand nor really want to learn how to use such technologies. This is part of the reason for there being a digital divide. The laggards or the ones who don't care as much or don't really know how to use digital media need to learn how to do it. Just providing computers to everyone will not solve the problem because the real problem is they don't know how to use them.
In Warshauer's reading, he states that we need to "focus on the transformation, not the technology." If we follow this, we could being the long process of bridging the gap that is the digital divide. Setting up systems and programs that educate users on how to use the product they purchase will further their knowledge on such technologies.
My dad, who is a software engineer/computer programmer is quite the innovator/early adopter. He is constantly using new software and updating current software on our computers. Since he has so much knowledge on this product, he is always helping me and brother, causing us to also be in the early adopter category. It's a much different case when my dad bought my grandparents a computer and phone line so they could stay current and keep in touch with our family back in Russia. Not only does my grandpa barely speak any english, he is also 83 years old. Now my grandfather is a very smart man, which a PHD in mathematics and still does it to this day. My dad sat my grandpa down for about two hours to show him how to use the basic applications, nothing complicated and my grandpa barely got passed signing in a password to log on.
After constant calls every day asking my dad on how to use a certian application or connect to the interenet, my dad said it almost wasn't worth it. Not only does the digital divide include owenership, but also language barriers, small text and most of all patience. Both my grandpa and dad didn't have enough patience for eachother , and my grandpas computer is currently collecting dust rather than data.
I believe there should be different types of technologies and computers for different demographics. Age plays a big factor and all that goes with it may deter from picking up on how to use these certain technologies.
I love my grandpa, but him and computers were just not meant to be. We recently bought him a cellphone, and he has been doing better with that, but I am constantly getting pocket calls from him because he hasn't figure out the lock feature yet :)
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These are ok posts, but they are missing your outside research. What is going on in the world that relates to new technology and your theme (which isn't very clear through your posts)
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My grandparents are the exact same way, and even my mom sometimes. My mom just barely learned how to text, and is still trying to figure out the DVR on our tv. The digital divide is a very wide gap, especially between generations. I think the only solution is education. We have to try and educate everyone on how to use these new technologies. But the people we are teaching like our grandparents for example, have to want to learn, and have the desire to be connected. Other wise, the gap will never be closed.
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