Blog 2

The digital divide can be explained by two groups in society: the ones who have lots of access to technology and the ones who do not and are unaware of how to use technology. Mark Warschauer states, “a digital divide is marked not only by physical access to computers and connectivity, but also by access to the additional resources that allow people to use technology well.” (Rethinking the Digital Divide) I think it is hard to describe EXACTLY what the digital divide is. There are so many factors in a given environment which can change the meaning of a digital divide. There could be a digital divide in an office dealing with how to work a certain program. The digital divide might have to do with limited access to this program or the lack of understanding due to being uneducated about that program. What is the best way really to describe the digital divide? There really is no exact definition.




I had never really thought about the metaphors used in office until we discussed it in class. The desktop with the manila envelopes and the pieces of paper make a lot of sense and give the illusion that you are working in a digital “office”. Another metaphor I would say “Myspace” is a type of metaphor used to make teens or young adults think that this social network is a space of their own. In reality, it is nothing more than a website where you can say what you think. Another metaphor would be the paint accessory. It gives the illusion you are painting with a paintbrush, or you can switch to a pencil, switch colors and even erase. Again, this would appeal to children, and on top of that make parents excited because this creates a mess that doesn’t need to be cleaned up, you simply erase if you don’t want to keep it.



Works Cited

Warschauer, Mark. "Reconceptualizing the Digital Divide." 7. (2002): n. pag. Web. 2 Sep 2010. <http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/967/888>.