The Digital Divide - Narrowing the Gap


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The Digital Divide - Narrowing the Gap
	In the UK there are are a number of different incentives and government schemes being implemented that are designed to narrow the digital divide... schools and colleges are being funded to help them buy computer hardware and connect to the Internet. special web sites are being set up with useful educational resources. a national scheme to rent laptops and PCs to school students is being considered. extending of the provision of on-line learning for adults. libraries provide free Internet access. rewards for local authorities that best use digital technology. competition between communications companies ensures a fast growth in communications technology and a reduction in prices. A news headline from 2005...
	http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4401175.stm
	Some projects are being undertaken to install computers and Internet connections to houses in poorer areas to see if there is any effect on the wealth of the community. Tax incentives may be used to persuade businesses to undertake e-commerce and extend their markets. More and more people and businesses will become 'connected' if.. it is affordable they want it they see the relevance. It is the duty of governments to provide the correct economic environment - low taxes, steady economic growth. This will encourage more businesses to invest in new technology and use it to extend their markets and increase their profits. Benefits gained by narrowing the gap include... increase in access to education. increase in opportunities for employment. increase in opportunities for commerce - buying and selling goods. a greater feeling of inclusion in world affairs - democracy, free speech. a subsequent increase in wealth. an increased understanding of other people and their cultures.
	In other countries, economic factors may be less important than the provision of opportunities. The communications infrastructure needs to be in place and the people need to be wealthy enough and educated enough to buy computers and connect to the Internet.	In Britain, the gap is narrowing but there are a lot of countries where the digital divide is still significant.