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=FEATURED ARTICLE:=

The Digital Divide: The Special Case of Gender by Professor Joel Cooper, Princeton University
=== Cooper, J. (2006). [|The digital divide]: [|The special case of gender]. //Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 23. //pp. 320-334. ===

What is the digital divide?
The term digital divide refers to the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and those with very limited or no access at all. It includes the imbalances in physical access to technology as well as the imbalances in resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen. In other words, it is the unequal access by some members of society to information and communications technology, and the unequal acquisition of related skills. The digital divide may be classified based on gender, income, and race groups, and by locations [|(Wikipedia)].

Implications for the digital divide
As educators struggling to prepare today’s Net Generation for a 21st Century world, the digital divide holds decided implications. We recognize that technology has permeated all aspect of daily life from shopping at the corner store to searching for a new job. It is important that educators explore ways to level the technology playing field for all students to ensure their future success. Eliminating the digital divide is not a simple question of improving availability to computers in our schools. Solutions must also address an equitable development of the necessary literacy skills and the knowledge to use technology effectively for all students. Recent research indicates that the digital divide may also be grounded in long-standing societal pressures, suggesting that we also need to examine these additional influences if we truly wish to search for a answer. Our featured article analyzes the intricacies at work in proliferating the gender aspect of the digital divide. As Cooper exposes these factors, he also offers educators ways to contribute to positive change through increased understanding and practical suggestions.

Featured Article by Professor Joel Cooper
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When you are finished this page, please look at Supporting Articles which further extend Cooper's perceptions about the gender digital divide.