By Brad
At the San Diego Union-Tribune, Maureen Magee looks at how the increasing use of technology by parents is casting a light on the problem of the digital divide:
Parents at 55 campuses in the San Diego school district can peruse their children’s homework assignments, check grades and measure their progress meeting college admission requirements — from their personal computers.
A recent district study of the Parent Connect program from October through December of last year showed families logged into the system 178,000 times.
But drilling down on this cyber traffic underscores the so-called digital divide in the district — the haves and have nots of technology. Parents in more affluent areas are often taking advantage of high-tech resources, while those in inner-city areas are not.
“This is a pretty significant breakthrough in creating meaningful parent engagement around actually helping kids,” said San Diego school board President Richard Barrera. “But it’s only effective if they have access to it. We have to work doubly hard to increase access and not just assume that everyone has it.”
The entire article is worth checking out.
By IIA
Studies show that 80 percent of higher-income bracket households seek online health information compared to only 54 percent of lower-income families.
— “Use of the Internet in Higher-Income Households,” Pew Research Center, Nov 2010.
By IIA
Over 95 percent of those in households earning over $75,000 use the Internet and cell phones, compared with 70 percent of those living in households earning less than $75,000.
— Use of the Internet in Higher-Income Households Pew Research Center, November 2010.
Learn more facts in our ever-expanding Broadband Fact Book.
By IIA
Over 79 percent of higher-income households own a laptop.
— Jim Jansen, “Use of the Internet in Higher-income Households,” Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, November 24, 2010.
Learn more facts in our ever-expanding Broadband Fact Book.
By IIA
A recent Pew study found that high-income households access online news at a rate of 80 percent compared to lower-income households that access online news at a rate of 60 percent.
— “Use of the Internet in Higher-Income Households,” Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, November 24, 2010.
By David
Despite recent gains, new research from Pew shows that America’s digital divide is still in place:
Analysis of several recent surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Projects finds key differences between those who live in households making $75,000 or more relative to those in lower-income households.
Some 95% of Americans who live in households earning $75,000 or more a year use the internet at least occasionally, compared with 70% of those living in households earning less than $75,000. Even among those who use the internet, the well-off are more likely than those with less income to use technology.
All the more reason for the FCC to move past the net neutrality distraction and re-focus on the National Broadband Plan.
By IIA
Although 96 percent of California’s residents live in an area with broadband access, most of the people who actually are connected make more than $80,000 a year, while only 58 percent of residents that make less than $40,000 can afford a $60.00 a month broadband package.
Sean Buckley, “California House member proposes discounted broadband service bill,” FierceTelecom. September 25, 2009.
More facts about broadband.
By IIA
Among households with an annual income of $50,000 or less—about half of the country—only 35% have broadband service. Households with annual incomes above $50,000 are more than twice as likely to have broadband service.
“Bringing Broadband to the Urban Poor,” BusinessWeek, December 31, 2008
More facts about broadband.
By IIA
Among households with an annual income of $50,000 or less—about half of the country—only 35% have broadband service.
Households with annual incomes above $50,000 are more than twice as likely to have broadband service.
“Bringing Broadband to the Urban Poor,” BusinessWeek, December 31, 2008
More facts about broadband adoption.
Rick Boucher
Bruce P. Mehlman
Jamal Simmons
Featured Members
Broadband Fact Book
Start-Up Savings
10 Benefits of Health IT
How Broadband Helps Rural Communities
10 Ways Being Online Saves You Money
Achieving Universal Broadband
The National Broadband Plan
The Digital Divide
Jobs and Investment
March Madness in Bytes
Sign the Petition
Internet Past & Future
Back to School Webinar
Telepsychiatry Webinar
IIA Broadband Symposium
IIA Internet Academy
Press Releases
Most Recent Posts
Leave a Comment