Digital Divide And Its Effect On Students Of Low Socioeconomic Groups

Abstract This literature review focuses on the digital divide and its effects on students of low socioeconomic groups; specifically how the availability of technology and learning outcomes impact students of lower socioeconomic groups. The digital divide is commonly referred to as the gap between people who do and people who do not have access to new forms of information technology, such as computers and phones. The impact the digital divide has had on the world has typically been referred to in terms of demographics and geography or region. Students from low-income and minority families are the most impacted by the digital divide. More often than not, minority students live in poverty in urban areas. Access to technology is determined by both the availability of access to technology at home and at school. New computer and networking technologies can provide the disadvantaged students with access to knowledge-building communication tools and more individualized learning opportunities. The implications of the digital divide are enormous. Students are delayed by their lack of technological skills from entering the competitive world of college or work.

This literature review focuses on the digital divide and its effects on students of low socioeconomic status (SES) groups, and how the availability of technology and learning

The Internet will help to increase access to education and good jobs (DiMaggio & Hargittai, 2001). This expansion will create new spaces for political discussion and in return will provide citizens with direct access to government (2001). Overall, access to information, communication, and technologies has been increasing at a swift rate (Sevron & Nelson, 2001). However, specific types of households are gaining access while the others are not (2001). Low-income and minorities groups, are among the groups that are being left behind, especially when they reside in inner cities