The digital divide: bridging the gap

The digital divide seems to be growing in the modern world,with many countries falling behind on technology, but there has been many ideas introduced in order to try and bridge the gap between these countries and countries like the uk, some of these ideas include:

 1)   Focus on Digital Literacy: training on how to use the Internet is critical to closing the digital gap. The digital literary courses held at local public libraries were the most effective elements in encouraging broadband adoption. In fact, after graduating from the courses, a majority of the participants chose to purchase Internet access immediately on the open market, instead of waiting for the free network. Through the training, many came to realize how integral the Internet had become to everyday tasks like paying bills, and applying for jobs.

2)   Provide computers: While digital literacy was key, free or low-cost computers removed another significant barrier in Detroit. In this case, the computers offered a good incentive for taking a digital literacy course, and maintaining skills. In many areas people aren't able to afford computers, so in order for the gap to be bridged, computers must be supplied.

3)   Remove other financial barriers:  As Warner writes, Internet providers often require security deposits and a credit check before handing out equipment like routers and modems – making it harder for low-income homes to get service. Non-profit organizations should focus on finding a way to pay for those upfront costs.

4) Lower network charges: Many Internet service providers charge up to or over $40 a month for their internet, this might not seem like a lot to us, but in some low income areas this is a struggle to afford, decreasing the price of the service would allow for low income families to afford the service.


There are many organizations that specialise in bridging the gap of the digital divide, some of these include:

1) Learn Direct: Learn Direct aims to teach adults how to use IT using an online course.


2) Close the Gap: Close the Gap is an international not-for-profit organisation that is helping to bridge this digital divide by offering high-quality cost-efficient used IT equipment to projects in developing countries.

3) Getting Started: Get Started was a six-week campaign up to the end of June 2003, it was aimed to teach IT skills to the elderly, disabled and the disadvantaged, and to show them the benefits they could gain from using IT. 

4)Computers4africa: Computers4africa.org is an organization that aims to lift the continent of Africa out of the poverty trap by equipping the next generation to work in a global environment.

Computers4africa has supplied free computers to third world countries in Africa, helping to bridge the digital divide.