What is Social and Cultural Dimensions of the Digital Divide

The Digital Divide refers to the social challenges of inequitable technology distribution and access. Educators must recognize that the digital divide extends beyond the ideas of physical allocation of computers and networks. The purpose of this chapter is to examine more closely the social, cultural and educational dimensions of the digital divide. The social dimension of the divide is considered with regard to societal access of public information and the Internet. An examination of cultural implications follows, highlighting ethnicity and gender issues. Educational dimensions examine literacies and online content, home computer use, school computer use and teacher readiness before presentation of recommendations for addressing these dimensions.