defining the Digital Divide: and why Sufjan Stevens, indie films and academic journals don't have a monopoly on using pretentiously long sub-titles

I am nearly finished with my master's project, but a recurring theme kept emerging in the process. A Digital Divide exists that prevents low income students from thriving in the Digital Age. The definition of this Digital Divide tends to remain narrow, one of access to technology. However, I think the chasm is larger. The true Digital Divide is a convergence of three separate barriers:

1. The Achievement Gap - This gap goes beyond the simple role of standardized testing. In fact, the absolute obsession with standardized testing is why students in low-income areas are often times not challenged to learn authentically and to think critically. In an age where information is readily available, the New Economy needs critical thinkers. Oddly enough, I have found that teaching students how to think eventually transfers to higher test scores, because it increases motivation and self-efficacy rather than focusing on test-taking strategies.

2. The Tech Literacy Gap - Here, technology literacy is not simply access to technology or even attaining technology skills. Instead, it means students can synthesize various media, think critically about the role of technology in society (re: Neil Postman) and use determine which technology tools work best for which problems. One of the largest paradigm shifts in low-income areas is teaching students that a computer is not a method of amusement, but a format for learning. Another one is moving past teaching students how to use technology (skills-based) and instead having students use technology to read, write, analyze and solve problems.

3. The Skills Gap - In a book Rise of the Creative Class, the author argues that, in the Digital Age, companies need innovative thinkers. Yet, in many low-income areas, music and art programs have been cut (or reduced down to intervention classes) and students miss the key experiences to be creative. Another one would be communicating. Whether it's the language barrier or a simple lack of access to academic or technical language, many bright students lack the capacity to communicate in the professional world. In addition, schools fail to raise up authentic, indigenous leadership - students from the community who can continue to serve in the community.

Within the Skills Gap is the notion that there are certain things that low-income students miss that enable them to take a spike to the glass ceiling. It's a sort-of intangible barrier, but it often prevents good students from succeeding in college or in the business world. For this reason, schools should consider supporting service learning programs, where students emerge as leaders and job shadowing programs, where they can gain new insights and broaden their worldview. They need creative outlets rather than practice test booklets.