Libraries and the digital divide

When I first started researching this topic I found articles like this one stating "The phrase “digital divide” has been applied to the gap that exists in most countries between those with ready access to the tools of information and communication technologies, and the knowledge that they provide access to, and those without such access or skills. This may be because of socio‐economic factors, geographical factors, educational, attitudinal and generational factors, or it may be through physical disabilities. A further gap between the developed and underdeveloped world in the uptake of technology is evident within the global community, and may be of even greater significance" (Addressing the digital divide article) And it seemed like the digital divide was a problem of economics instead of technology. Logically assuming that libraries that could offer free technology and programing would help this problem.

I then started thinking about how schools also run into this problem of economics, where the schools with higher property values and more incomes also have better media centers and laptops for every kid. In fact America has spent a ton of money trying to get a lap top into the hands of every kid so they can compete with the global economy.

But then I started looking into one of the top ranked education countrys in the world. Finland. How did they work with the digital divide? Considering many articles written about America's education or lack there of is directly correlated to technology and how much we are teaching with it. Christina Wood states in her Education article printed in PC magazine "Though technology in education has sparked a nationwide debate, one thing is clear: To succeed in the workforce, you need technical skills." It seems all we need is to succeed is technology. But do we?

Finland does not use a lot of technology but they regularly beat Americans in all kinds of educational testing. This article explains why they don't use technology in schools but instead use a solid teacher base and a hands on learning approach to teach kids. Finland use of technology in their education system

Maybe this whole digital divide is something we made up to try and give well off Americans an edge. It takes money to have technology, the government seems determined to put a computer in every students hands. School libraries are being budgeted out, Public libraries are being budgeted out. Our school system is still failing, there are millions of people in the U.S. who can't afford Wi-Fi or a computer. Actual teaching of widely used programs doesn't seem to be viable either.

Maybe we should look to Finland. Maybe we should look at our American love of technology. Maybe we should recognize who we are secluding. Maybe we should bring every person up to the same level by sharing technology, sharing our information and coming together as a community. I think I know the perfect place, the library.