The article talks about the "digital divide" exisiting in todays society between different ethnic groups and income levels. I had a strong urge to automatically dispute what was being said, but a lot of the comments and points made in the article made me stop and rethink my standpoint. I honestly believe that the availability of computers, as well as the technological education children have the opportunity to experience, are both directly related to their parents views on both subjects. However, the article said that if you didn't even focus on the issues of computer availability, you can still see a difference in computer use within the varying groups. For example, the author spoke of our disabled population, and discussed how they tend to use computers as a tool to practice a lot of "drill" type activities, with the intent of building their basic skills and knowledge. I can't deny that as truth because, in the special education room I observe in, this is something the children enjoy to do.
The article was enlightening because, while I believe that parents play a big role in a childs technological education, I also came to realize that the skills and abilities and individual drive of each child might carry more weight. If a child is not capable of using a mouse, they will face more difficulty using a computer. If a child thinks computers are stupid and serve no purpose, they probably won't try to learn how to operate them, nor will they care if they excel in their performance. Additionally, if a child has parents or teachers that do not view technological education as an essential component of the childs education - they will most likely be less proficient because of the influence as well as the lack of opportunity extended to them.
While I believe a lot of factors influence a child's technological education, I really don't think there is a digital divide that can't be overcome and, more importantly, I don't think the "divide" that exists now is prejudicial or unfair. Most parents will make sacrifices if they think it's important to get something for their child, especially if its an essential tool for their child's education like computers can be.
Obviously any teacher requiring computer (or peripheral) use should give children proper opportunity in class to complete the assignment/requirements, but, aside from that, I don't see any real issues that aren't mostly comprised of excuses to get out of having to 'get with the times and learn new stuff!" Children are capable of learning a lot and generally don't allow racial or economical difficulties to stand in their way - usually it's us adults that can't seem to look past those hurdles to figure out a solution.
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