Digital Divide

As more and more services become available online, I strongly believe we should be caring about the digital divide. There are several services that have become exclusively online, including several important DMV services that they now have to redirect people online for, even when the offices are still operational. This is just a small part of why we should care about the digial divide – making sure essential services are available to everyone, including those without computer access or are not as technologically savvy. Schooling is also another huge thing that has retained an online presence – some classes are exclusively taught online (including this one, MADT 307). Being able to access a classroom, whether in-person or virtually, is incredibly important and by not having computer access, you remove one of the channels to be able to access a classroom environment. 

One way that we can close the digital divide is by supplying schools and other organizations with working and up-to-date technology (laptops, computers, equipment, etc) so that those without access to computers may be able to receive equipment to continue to access services (like the aforementioned DMV services). Another would be to have a state/federal funded IT service. While not perfect, it would at least allow to have support services more widely available so that people can continue using their devices without having to purchase a new device, pay for an expensive service, or have their access cut off due to their device not working. You could have existing IT services/repair shops partner with the program to help with the work load, or have incentives to provide services at low or no cost for those in need. One big thing that already exists is computer classes (such as the ones offered by Apple at their stores), and having more of those classes more widely available would also help with the digital divide.