Transcript Digital Divide Affirmative

Bridging the Digital
Divide
Debaters: Dulcinea Hanuschak and Cesar
Aranguri
Supporters: Tiffany Elbert, Katherine Healy,
Elizabeth Lewis, Elisabeth Ris, Evan
Sherman
Our Stance
Just as the industrial revolution created a
new set of basic necessities (basic utilities
etc), the technological revolution, the next
step in society’s evolution, demands that
society begin to bridge the digital divide in
order to continue meeting the basic human
right of communication for its citizens.
Underserved
“We concentrate on groups who are "underserved" today
in terms of access to computers and the Internet,
including Americans who have low incomes, live in rural
communities, [and /or] have limited education... Lowincome is defined as having an annual family income of
less than $14,150 for a family of three, the level used by
the federal government to define poverty.” Bazzell, Imani,
“Online Content for Low-Income and Underserved Americans: The Digital Divide’s
New Frontier.” The Children’s Partnership. March 2000. March 24, 2004
<http://www.childrenspartnership.org/pub/low_income/introduction.html#1>
Subsidized Service Includes:
1.
2.
3.
Computers
Internet Service
Provider
Filter (optional:
can download for
free on the
internet
Program Specifics


Computers will be
subsidized for
individuals
Computers will be
awarded to those who
qualify – food stamps,
disabilities, number of
children, etc.
Communication, achieved through
internet access, is a Human Right
“The right to communicate is more fundamental
than freedom of expression. Communication is a
basic human need because it is a fundamental
social process necessary for expression and all
social organization. Information, thus, has a
social function. It should not be viewed only as
propaganda or a commodity, nor should it be
controlled only by the power structures of the
market or the state.” (McIver 2).
Communication, achieved through
internet access, is a Human Right

Essential to fulfill other Human
Rights
Communication, achieved through
internet access, is a Human Right


Essential to fulfill other Human
Rights
Horizontal exchange of
information – Medically related
websites
Communication, achieved through
internet access, is a Human Right



Essential to fulfill other Human
Rights
Horizontal exchange of
information – Medically related
websites
Not just a “tool” for the wealthy,
if subsidized it will be an
essential part of everyone’s
life, regardless of economic
status
Communication, achieved through
internet access, is a Human Right




Essential to fulfill other Human
Rights
Horizontal exchange of
information – Medically related
websites
Not just a “tool” for the wealthy,
if subsidized it will be an
essential part of everyone’s
life, regardless of economic
status
Communication Act of 1934 –
Postal Service, Telephone
System
Computers and Internet Access
Enhance Education

More than eight out of ten teachers (84 percent)
believe that computers and access to the
Internet improve the quality of education,
according to a survey by education technology
nonprofit NetDay, and 75 percent of teachers
said the Internet is an important tool for finding
new resources to meet new standards. Pastor, Michael.
“Teachers Say Internet Improves Quality of Education.” Clikz April 5, 2001
March 23, 2004
<http://www.clickz.com/stats/markets/education/article.php/734761>
Success Story: Computers and Our
Futures



Program in California
Sponsored by the
Wellness Foundation
Provides community
technology centers to
enhance computer
technology, teach
marketable skills and
enhance job placement
opportunities.
Benefits of Computer and Internet
Access

Saves money normally spent updating
textbooks
Benefits of Computer and Internet
Access
Saves money normally spent updating
textbooks
 Updated information and aids for teachers
