Life in the Network

What is the meaning behind the term "access" when it comes to the internet? The defining discussion I found was when the authors were simply stating that people have access if they actually use the internet. So therefore, it is means physically accessing the internet rather than a complete understanding of the applications. I personally think you could expand the word access in meaning simply having the ability to access internet whether it be at a physical location such as the library or through the help of friends and family. For example in "The Ever-Shifting Internet Popoluation article it sates that 76% of non-users know of public access sites to the internet and 74% hae family and friends who go online. Therefore internet accessibility is common among the American population. The concern I have is for the 27% of Americans who know of no access to the internet. Although an alarming statistic that some individuals may not even know how to access the internet this is why education and federal and state support of internet implications are so important. (Lenhart, p4) In conclusion I do believe that the 84 year and recent immigrants have accessibility to the internet whether educated on applications or not.

What constitutes real, useable access is simply education. I do not remember much formal training to go online but rather a personal pursuit of knowledge of online application. Rather I've noticed that the baby-boomers and elderly do require some additional written or formal training when learning online applications.

Should all adults be online? Is this a useful goal? Seeing the adults that most commonly use the internet are individuals with a college education making over 75,000 incomes. Therefore, maybe adult should be online as it could be beneficial professionally and personally. With this statement it was in the Internet Penetration and Impact article that Madden sated that only 35% of Americans say internet greatly improved their ability to do their jobs. (Madden, p1) This statistic was the most interesting amongst all the articles for me. There is no job that I feel wouldn't be beneficial with internet access. Whether it be a garbage man organizing his database or a sales person looking up businesses and contacts I see the internet beneficial in the work place for account maintenance and overall improved communication. Another statistic that proves that it is beneficial for adults to be online is that 20% found that it improved the way they get information regarding health care. (Madden, p1) This is great for the youngsters and baby-boomers who easily access their personal healthcare information but is alarming to the government and insurance companies requiring or promoting the elderly to chose health packages online.

Should all children have access to the internet? I do believe this would only help the children in the long run. I believe that the responsibility of online access lies within the school systems so therefore also within the state funding. Not all parents can afford internet as briefly discussed in the articles, but schools should provide each student with this equal opportunity.

How does lack of access constitue a barrier to advancement for lower-income families? Because at times these families have a more challenging time accessing internet. They maybe unable to afford broadband unlike the 42% of Americans that have this access. (Madden, p3) But this should not be used as an excuse to hold anyone back. There are many public access sites and might just require some extra initiative on their behalf.

Should basic elementary education include courses on internet use? Yes. Children easily pick up on computer applications and should begin to learn the internet as it is essential during years of college and within the workplace.

One Laptop Per Child Program?

I see this program as beneficial but not necessary. Even in American that are neighborhood schools unable to provide online access to their students. it would be beneficial in a manner to provide an additional medium to their education but is not necessary for everyday survival. It is important we have programs like this so that technology applications in these countries do not become foreign. This is a political question and has many implications to consider. In short, I see this program as beneficial.