Short essay for Service Learning (Acadia)

Based on your reading and understanding of “The New Digital Divide,” what do you think are the most important things students should know about the role that not having access to high quality technology plays in an individual’s life? Then identify a specific passage in the reading that really surprised you. Explain why the statement was surprising. How might this passage and other passages in the article affect the way in which you relate to people at your service site?

After reading the article, I believe it is important for students to understand the limitations that people without access to high-speed internet have in their day to day lives. The article starts off by discussing the shift to a sort of “digital age” Americans (and other countries as well) are currently moving towards. It is important now more than ever to have access to high quality technology because the internet provides an outlet for jobs, education, entertainment, among other things as well. Many employers are starting to posting their job application online, and some are even using the internet to conduct job interviews (ie: Skype). If someone cannot afford access to high-speed wired internet, this is an opportunity forgone. While the library can offer these resources to less fortunate rural folks, it is slightly challenging to conduct an online interview in this type of environment. Furthermore, there are many commercials and ads now-a-days for people who can get an education online and receive a diploma from this. Those without access to the technology required to do this will miss this great opportunity. This passage surprised me because I was unaware of the fact that people could connect with their doctors online, which would save so many time (trip to the office) and money! The people living at Acadia would definitely benefit