Bridging the Digital Divide
The classical definition of the digital divide is as follows:
"A digital divide is an economic and social inequality with regard to access to, use of, or impact of information and communication technologies"
Digital Knowledge Divide
Traditionally the nature of the digital divide has been measured in terms of computers and access to the internet. Today many researches argue that the divide has moved from being a divide of access to a divide of knowledge. They believe that while many more people have access to the internet and internet technologies, it is understanding the technology and being able to leverage it that is the new challenge.
"technologies like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Blogs enable users to participate online and create content without having to understand how the technology actually works, leading to an ever increasing digital divide between those who have the skills and understanding to interact more fully with the technology and those who are passive consumers of it"
These researchers focus on the ability of internet users to create applications and content beyond the nominal capabilities provided by social applications. They point out that those who publish and build the internet remains a relatively small group that is closely aligned with economic status and education.
For more information on the digital divide and associated research see Wikipedia: digital divide.
Open Source and Education
Educators in Brazil, India and other parts of the world have come to the conclusion that utilizing Linux and open source at the K-12 and post-secondary levels will assist them in narrowing the "digital divide". They believe that this early access to computers and access to the how the technology is constructed will lead to wider participation and more skills on the part of their workforce.
Both Brazil and India have entire school systems that utilize and teach Linux almost exclusively. Both Brazil and India have strong technology cultures and export many highly technical workers to the U.S., in addition to providing outsourced technical work inside their own countries.
In the U.S. the adoption of Linux and teaching Linux in schools is limited. Most schools don't have to pay for computer software as for profit companies donate software to the schools for free. These schools and their students get software for free but not free software since they do not have access to the source code that run the computers or source to the applications that they use. The adoption and use of open source would enhance and empower students by providing the students with access to how the technology is created and by providing them with the capability to modify the technology.
"Our mission: Increase awareness and assist individuals, businesses and communities in leveraging open source."
Closing the Gap
Open source provides the tools and capabilities necessary for full participation in the digital economy. In order to become publisher and/or creators of technology both time and access to the technology is needed.
Users with " lower socioeconomic status are less likely to participate in content creation due to disadvantages in education and lack of the necessary free time for the work involved in blog or web site creation and maintenance"
From a strictly practical perspective, an open source solution is the only one that provides the necessary richness to enhance the students. It is impossible to replace the value of having access to wealth of the programs available with open source and their source code. Having the access to the source code and the capability to read it, modify it and test it are unparalleled as learning tools.
The fact that everyone has access to the software utilized by all these institutions represents significant opportunity for career growth and development.
Understanding open source provides employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in all business sectors. Every sector has many needs and everyone is potentially a developer, administrator, manager or business owner for this technology.
Technology Access
Sarata installs and configures open source software on computers for under privileged children and their families at no charge.
We are working to expand our support to include both hardware and software. We want to provide fully functional computers and in person training classes on how to use them.
We need partners for hardware procurement and are willing to partner and share on training and support. If you want to work with us on a project or need our support, contact us at support@sarata.com. We welcome service opportunities.
Knowledge Access
Sarata provides knowledge bases documentation and assistance to those learning open source.
We are building and enhancing our online documentation and training material and are also willing to provide remote support for problems and issues.
We are working to establish user groups and training for in person groups in locations in Northern New Jersey. We are currently working to establish location and times but expect the first session to be announced shortly.
"Free software is primarily a matter of liberty, not price: users, individually or collectively, are free to do whatever they want with it - this includes the freedom ... to sell it "
Sarata