Computers In Churches, Laundromats May Bridge Digital Divide

Pouring thousands of dollars into providing access to information technology may seem like a step forward in bridging the digital divide, but without community-based, innovative programs to help historically underserved minorities and low-income groups sustain their new skills, the gap will only widen, says a Penn State researcher. "We make assumptions that technology is a great enabler, and that if we bring technology to historically underrepresented groups, we will improve people's life chances and their ability to participate in society," said Lynette Kvasny, assistant professor in the School of Information Sciences and Technology. "The technology needs to be integrated into people's lives to be sustainable, so we need to put it where people go for social networking -- in barber shops, laundromats, churches, and community spaces in housing projects. Otherwise, we've invested millions of dollars in initiatives that end up folding." Kvasny's conclusions are based on a study of two Georgia cities that had implemented technology initiatives to address the divide between those with Internet access and computer training and those without. For the full story by Margaret Hopkins, visit http://www.psu.edu/ur/2002/bridgingit.html