Digital Divide

As a leader in educational technology, I feel the first step in addressing the digital divide is aligning technology to essential needs. If a technology does not address or meet the needs of any demographic group be it gender, cultural or socioeconomic then that technology is not of any value. A laptop may not meet the needs of a community when a cell phone will meet the need. Once needs have been identified then education is the key to closing the digital divide. Rather than just focusing on providing equipment, we need to focus on developing the skills and knowledge needed to use, maintain, and further develop technologies (CTER, 2007). It is sometimes very disheartening to see students with the physical equipment and but still remain at a disadvantage due to the lack of support.


Another critical factor in bridging the digital divide is not only technical support but community support as well. Utilizing a holistic approach to individual and community engagement with technology by seeking to first identify local interests, and then determine how technology can support those interests provides needed community involvement (CTER, 2007).

CTER, (2007). Digital Divide and Education. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php?title=Digital_Divide_and_Education&oldid=26510

Thornburg, D. (2009). Diversity and Globalism. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from August 21, 2010 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4199715&Survey=1&47=5828341&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Red Queens and Increasing Returns

VS

In Module 4, I decided to use the features on my recently purchased iPhone to watch one of the assigned videos. I purchased Total Recall from iTunes using the gift card I received for Christmas. I was able to view the movie while getting an oil change and waiting for the kids during swim practice. The flexibility was great. I was very uncertain about the size and quality of the movie at first but I was able to view the movie with no problem. It was great!!!


I feel the current competition between the DVD and video on demand can be labeled an example of increasing returns. Dr. Thornburg defines increasing returns as two innovations hitting the market at the same time and by chance, on technology gets locked in and drives the other to extinction (Thornburg, 2010). While DVDs were mainstream for a long while, video on demand along with Netflix has driven DVD/movie stories out of business. The convenience of shopping, ordering and watching videos can now be done without leaving your home. I don’t believe DVDs will become completely obsolete anytime soon due to the fact that everyone does not have access to the web however I do feel video on demand and Netflix have impacted home entertainment.

Both video on demand and DVD have a place on McLuhan’s tetrad. I see both falling in the “retrieval” tetrad because they fulfill the need of home entertainment and quality family time. Video on demand will cause DVDs to fall in the “Closure/Obsolescence” tetrad while moving itself into the “Extension/Enhancement tetrad.



Anderson, C. (2004). Tech’s long tail [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/
chris_anderson_of_wired_on_tech_s_long_tail.html

Thornburg, D. D. (2010). Increasing returns and red queens. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4199715&Survey=1&47=5797856&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Thornburg, D. D. (2008b). Emerging technologies and McLuhan's Laws of Media. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.