The Digital Divide - CSP Big Idea 5

By Marti, Nikhil, & Aarav

Lesson Objectives

  • Define and analyze the digital divide globally and locally (e.g., San Diego).
  • Connect access disparities to CSP concepts like computing innovations, ethics, and societal impacts.

CSP Learning Objectives

  • IOC-1.A – Explain how computing innovations can reflect and amplify existing societal inequalities.
  • IOC-1.B – Explain how bias exists in computing innovations.
  • IOC-2.A – Describe the digital divide and its consequences in education, employment, healthcare, and community participation.
  • IOC-2.B – Identify and analyze ethical and societal concerns related to computing innovations.

Video: The Digital Divide in American High Schools

Key takeaway: Students without reliable internet access fall behind in school. Addressing this gap is critical to creating equal opportunities.

Why Does the Digital Divide Exist?

(IOC-1.A, IOC-1.B)

  • Economic privilege: Wealthier communities can afford better infrastructure.
  • Geography: Rural and border regions are often underserved.
  • Societal factors: Language barriers, immigration status, and political influence can affect access.
  • Bias in technology: Innovations are often built by and for privileged groups, unintentionally excluding others.

Why Technology Access Matters

(IOC-2.A)

Area Importance Consequences Without Access
Education Online learning and research Poor academic performance, fewer resources
Employment Job searching, remote work Lower job prospects and income
Healthcare Telemedicine, appointment access Poorer health outcomes
Community Life Civic participation and connection Less engagement, social isolation

Digital Infrastructure Examples

  • Strong: Urban U.S., South Korea, Japan, Western Europe
  • Weak: Rural Africa, India, and underserved areas in the U.S.

Case Study – San Diego (2023):
Over 106,000 people lack broadband access, especially near the Tijuana border. This affects education, work, and healthcare even in a relatively wealthy region.

Ethical and Societal Concerns

(IOC-2.B)

  • Fairness: Equal access to digital tools is a basic need.
  • Social justice: Gaps in access reinforce inequality in school and work.
  • Responsibility: Bridging the gap requires effort from:
    • Government (infrastructure, funding)
    • Corporations (affordable products)
    • Communities (public Wi-Fi, libraries)

Solutions to Bridge the Divide

  1. Improve infrastructure in rural and low-income communities.
  2. Subsidize devices and internet for families and students in need.
  3. Create inclusive technologies that support different user needs.
  4. Implement public policies that prioritize digital equity.

What Students Can Do

  • Offer tutoring on basic tech skills.
  • Create simple guides for internet use and tools.
  • Organize laptop and device donation drives.
  • Collaborate with businesses for tech sponsorships.

Popcorn Hack Questions

  1. Identify one real-world area (education, employment, healthcare, or community) where you’ve seen the digital divide. How does it affect people in different socioeconomic groups?
  2. Name a computing innovation that unintentionally excludes certain users. Why does that happen?

Practice Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: A rural school district upgrades its internet. What could unintentionally widen the digital divide?

Answer:
C. The district requires a mandatory device insurance fee, which students in underserved areas may still struggle to pay.

Q2: A group donates refurbished laptops. What challenge might prevent this from helping?

Answer:
B. The neighborhoods receive data-capped internet plans, making streaming and updates too expensive.

Q3: A city creates an online public forum. What action helps prevent digital inequality?

Answer:
B. The city holds in-person tech help sessions and subsidizes internet access for underserved areas.

Homework

Write five clear sentences on the digital divide in your community.

  • Mention how socioeconomic status and location affect access.
  • Describe how this gap impacts daily life.
  • Suggest how you personally can help (e.g., spreading awareness, helping others, organizing donations, advocating for policy).