This presentation will explore issues of digital divide and digital inequality and the issues and challenges it presents.

The role it plays at Hackley School.

It's the gap between people who have access to computer technology and people who don't.
Digital inequality describes how technology users vary in how gainfully they employ the technology in their daily lives.

Everyone's talking about it.
Government leaders, Educators, and the victims of digital divide and digital inequality.

Age - It seems to be that young people feel more comfortable with the new technology and are able to benefit from it more than older people.
Older people are less likely to have a computer and are less likely to be interested in using the Internet.

Gender - Boys use computers and the Internet more than girls.

Race/Ethnicity - Different ethnic groups have different attitudes to technology. Many deprived areas of large cities have high numbers of people in differing ethnic groups. This may have an effect on wealth and education.
If English is not a first language - this may cause problems.

Income - the levels of household income also play a significant role in the widening gap. The study by the NTIA stated, "In the last year, the divide between the highest and lowest income groups grew 29%" (NTIA Falling through the Net 99)

Education - In order to benefit from the digital technology people must know how to use it. ICT has become a major subject taught in most schools but many adults did not have the opportunity to learn how to use computers when they were in school.

Literacy - skills are important for people to read web pages. Those unable to read well will not benefit from information on the Internet - they may only use computers to play games.

I interviewed both faculty and administrators on what inequality issues they've encountered while at Hackley.

Discuss Notes: interview with Brad Walters -MS Assistant Director

Some kids don't have access to laptops and ipads at home. They try to complete all of their work at school. Some kids have more than others at Hackley. It's a disadvantage for those that have less. It would be better if they were not stressing to get assignments finished before they get home.

Students sometimes have to use their public library or borrow a parents work computer to do homework assignments.

Hackley can expand resources so that the school can be open after normal school hours and the weekend.

Discuss: Interview with Andy King- US Director.

Affordability never losing sight of those on financial aid. Financial aid inequality how to support it so all kids have access to those things.

Not all kids can afford the latest technology and software. 20% of students are on scholarship and financial aid.

Hackley can implement a Bring Your Own Designated Device program for laptops. At this time they have only a BYODD for 1:1 ipads.

They can develop a Student Laptop Loan Program that will provide students with a laptop that lack personal computer access at home.

Both faculty and students may not necessarily have the skills for new technology and it is seen as a disadvantage.

Provide information literacy courses to enhance computer skills.

Provide free online educational content.

Professional Development.

Properly train Staff to help with computer literacy.