Delaware Technology Access Project Policy Paper

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Policy Paper

A great array of programs, projects, and experiments have been undertaken in the United States to provide community access to information technology. The focus has been on both enhancing the social and political viability of the community and to bridge the digital divide by making technology and the skills to use it accessible to all members of the community. The white paper provides annotated citations of material that have been published on the topic as well as a summary and assessment of what has been tried elsewhere, what factors appear to foster or constrain success, and innovations that may be applicable to Delaware in building community access.

Information tools, such as the personal computer and the Internet, are increasingly critical to economic success and personal advancement. "Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide," the U.S. Department of Commerce report, finds that more Americans than ever have access to telephones, computers, and the Internet. At the same time, however, there is still a significant "digital divide" separating American information "haves" and "have nots." Indeed, in many instances, the digital divide has widened in the last year.

At the same time, due to the widespread efforts to provide public access to electronic services, computers and Internet access have become far more pervasive among households of different demographic characteristics. Community access centers, such as schools, libraries, youth organizations, and other public access points play an important role in closing the gap. Providing public access to the information technology helps underserved or otherwise disadvantaged populations advance economically by developing their technical skills to compete professionally in today's digital economy. Continuous effort of establishing and supporting community access centers, among other steps, will help ensure that all Americans can access new technologies because, as we enter the Information Age, access to computers and the Internet is becoming increasingly vital.

This document consists of two parts:

1. Background Information on the Digital Divide (Excel file) - This part provides comprehensive summary of the theoretical research conducted in the area of technology access. The studies included define technology gap, describe the barriers to closing the gap, identify possible solutions at the policy arena, and analyze the effect of community technology centers, particularly in the domains of employment, learning, personal gains, and sense of community.

2. Public Initiatives (Excel file) - This section includes a summary review of programs, projects, and experiments undertaken in the United States to provide community access to information technology. These initiatives examine the technology gap in low-income communities, assess what barriers are slowing the spread of new technologies to the undeserved, and describe the most promising efforts to produce a more equitable distribution. Community technology centers across the nation offer a range of opportunities to use computers and other technologies in classes as well as in self-directed activities, they serve as a valuable resource for obtaining job skills and learning about employment opportunities. In addition, such centers have a positive effect on participants' educational goals and experiences as well as foster a sense of community and personal effectiveness.