The Digital Divide

[BurningSands]

BGLOs' what field or profession are you in? If you are in the IT or any komputer related field, what is you out take on the digital divided? Do you think it is a problem with African-American not knowing much about komputers & not jumping into this new era of komputer age? Getting a certified in MCSE,CCNA,Oracle DBA,Linux etc.... Will really help a person's salary, however alot of us fell to get these cert. which is an easy way to boost one's salary by $10k-$20k per year......GLOs' feel free to reply....................

[12dn94dst]

The digital divide is an issue that's having a negative impact on our community because those without computer exposure are being left behind. Basic computer knowledge is required for more jobs than before and knowledge of office suites (Corel Wordprefect Suite, Microsoft Office suite) and almost required. Let's not even mention knowing how to use the internet for more than chatting and looking up your favorite BLGO. It's a question of access also. You certanly cannot become certified in something you know nothing about.

Those inner-city schools that are lucky to have computers have antiquated equipment or the equipiment is stolen or vandalized or most of it is broken because the schools cannot afford to have a certified technician on staff to repair the machines. It's hard for someone who has trouble keeping food on the table or a roof over the family's head to see the point in sacrificing $800-$1000 for a computer, the benefit of which cannot be seen right away. And community centers that have computers often face an issue of who is going to teach the computer classes (for free) and, like the schools, who's going to repair them when they break.

But wait, that's where we computer literate, about-to-get-every-certification-known-to-man, public-service-minded-people-who-wear-the-funny-looking-letters-with-the-funny-sounding-names can help. Volunteer your time to help close the divide. Donate your older but technologically viable machines to local schools & community centers. Offer to teach you mentees and mentors about computers so they won't be left behind.

I agree with you. Becoming certified is the easiest way to boost your salary AT LEAST $10-$20K, and that's with just having the certification. Know what you're talking about and the IT job market is pretty much yours for the taking and it opens you up for all kinds of consulting opportunities, maybe even enough to open you own firm.

[AXO Alum]

12dn94dst,
Just want to say GREAT POST! I will definitely pass this along at our next alum meeting - we have a ton of computer people that could use their skills to help the community out.

Thanks!

[mccoyred]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 12dn94dst:

Those inner-city schools that are lucky to have computers have antiquated equipment or the equipiment is stolen or vandalized or most of it is broken because the schools cannot afford to have a certified technician on staff to repair the machines. It's hard for someone who has trouble keeping food on the table or a roof over the family's head to see the point in sacrificing $800-$1000 for a computer, the benefit of which cannot be seen right away. And community centers that have computers often face an issue of who is going to teach the computer classes (for free) and, like the schools, who's going to repair them when they break.

Soror, my previous chapter ran into a similar problem. We planned on a computer lab for our Delta Academy girls but had to abandon the idea because the public schools only have MacIntosh machines! While we had several computer-proficient sorors in the chapter, none were experienced with the Mac.

While it is nice to have computers in the schools, it is essential that they be at least technologically up-to-date. BTW, not to dis' Mac but MOST people use PCs. I beleive the chapter is now trying to get donated PCs.

My current chapter has a computer lab in our Outreach Center where both Sorors and program participants can learn about computers and have internet access. In fact, I have just been slated to teach our Delta Academy girls how to build webpages.

It really is up to us, the Talented Tenth, to try to bridge that chasm called the Digital Divide. More and more of us need to embark on technological careers so that we can step to the fore and lead.

For those of you who are not aware, the Delta Academy is a National program of DST and is dedicated to exposing young Black females to careers in science, math and technology. You can read more about it on our National website at http://www.deltasigmatheta.org/delta_academy.htm.

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MCCOYRED

Dynamic
Salient
Temperate

Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

[This message has been edited by mccoyred (edited February 05, 2001).]

[IotaNet]

As a Sales Executive in the High-Tech biz, this is concern that is near and dear to my heart. Iota Phi Theta is also working on this issue and our latest National Service Initiative addresses it directly.

For more info, take a look at The Digital Heritage Initiative

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IotaNet
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Eta Chapter, Spring, 1980

Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity
Zeta Nu Chapter, Spring, 1979

[33girl]

What a good and timely topic. The digital divide is something that needs to be addressed. It affects not just those in urban areas, but the older members of society - like blue-collar workers who do not have the free time or $$ to learn to use computers. One of my clients at work recently went to a 100% online medical benefit enrollment system. This is a factory facility and most of the employees are not computer literate, but instead of being given education and a chance to learn it is being thrust onto them and if they don't pick it up, too bad. We need a lot of help to close the gap but it will take patience and understanding on both sides.

[Still BLUTANG]

5 years later, any thoughts or progress made?

[macallan25]

I dunno.......but if you can't spell computer correctly....I probobly wouldn't trust you around one.

BGLOs' what field or profession are you in? If you are in the IT or any komputer related field, what is you out take on the digital divided? Do you think it is a problem with African-American not knowing much about komputers & not jumping into this new era of komputer age? Getting a certified in MCSE,CCNA,Oracle DBA,Linux etc.... Will really help a person's salary, however alot of us fell to get these cert. which is an easy way to boost one's salary by $10k-$20k per year......GLOs' feel free to reply....................

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by macallan25

I dunno.......but if you can't spell computer correctly....I probobly wouldn't trust you around one.

probobly?

/I'm just sayin'...

[mulattogyrl]

lmao

[RedVelvet]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

probobly?

/I'm just sayin'...

See...

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

probobly?

/I'm just sayin'...

...Sh*t


Yeah that sucks for me. Gotta watch out for that "a". Komputer is pretty bad though. You have to admit.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by macallan25

...Sh*t


Yeah that sucks for me. Gotta watch out for that "a". Komputer is pretty bad though. You have to admit.

WTF SoCal Thread:

Originally Posted by macallan25

Yeah, you are probobly right.......

Seems you have a habit of it. Maybe you need to switch the "a" & "o" on your keyboard.

The person who wrote "komputer" is from 2001 with 28 posts, I doubt he's around to care. But you're right, that is the first thing I noticed when I started reading this thread.

[jessikay1922]

I think he did it on purpose.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by jessikay1922

I think he did it on purpose.

I don't think anyone's questioning that...