The+digital+divide+and+equality+of+access

=**The digital divide and equality of access**= By Daniel Flowers

The growth of the use of IT systems has led to disparities in the use of and access to, information technologies (IT) across the world. Differences exist not only internationally between countries, but also within countries, between different socio-economic groups. This may lead to group or individuals without access to It being disadvantaged. For example, while telelearning may bring previously unavailable opportunities to everyone’s doorstep, factors such as the cost and availability of hardware, software or access to the internet may create a ‘’digital divide’’

But a basic definition of the digital divide is: simply is //the troubling gap between those who use// computers //and the internet a ////nd those who do not ! // media type="youtube" key="fCIB_vXUptY" height="315" width="420"


 * Case studies **

In the Uk, a series of projects are being developed by the Department for Education and Employment, who have just over £10 million which has been awarded to 7 communities seen to be potentially don’t have the best internet access and are on the wrong side of the digital divide.


 * **Kensington, Liverpool **, one of England's most disadvantaged inner city communities. Over **400** households are being wired up, with a total of 2,000 PCs to be installed
 * **The Carpenters Estate, Newham, East London **: an inner city housing estate. All **750** households and the local primary school will be wired up;

These projects and more will make a huge difference in the education of kids as they can acquire knowledge and will also support and develop small businesses in the areas

**Race Online 2012**, which aims to "make the UK the first nation in the world where everyone can use the web", estimates that of the more than nine million adults in the UK who are currently not online, four million are socially and economically disadvantaged. This programme will include:


 * Cheap computer which will include software such as 'LINUX' (Linux is a computer operating system which is based on free and open software which is used publicly
 * Race online's packages will cost 9 pound per month and 18 pound for three months to make it more accessible for the users to access the web
 * The packages will be sold through 60 UK online centers which will also provide IT training

__**Facts**__
 * 1 in 4 adults in the UK have never used the internet
 * 38% of people not online are unemployed
 * Some 55% of those surveyed said children who had no internet at home were at a serious disadvantage.

__**Links of Digital divide articles**__


 * [|Kids a a disadvantage]
 * [|Digital Divide Facts and comments]
 * [|Facts of the Digital Divide]