# Presentation: 110148

## Archived InformationOvercome the Digital Divide

**Craig B. Luigart**
**Chief Information Officer**

**Craig.Luigart@ed.gov**

**June 27, 2001**

**Notes:**
Introduction

We have come a long way in our methods for recording the ‘written word’—this past year, The Washington Post ran an article related to the history of storytelling—the documenting of information.

## We Begin Time Line

- 30,000 BC

- 3,000 BC

- 100 AD

- 700 AD

- ANCIENT WRITING

- CavePainting

- Hieroglyphics

- Parchment

- Illuminated Manuscript

- 1455

- 1885

- 1912

- 1935

- Gutenberg’s Printing Press

- SmallPrinting Press

- Black & White Photos of Titanic on Front Covers of Newspapers

- Color BookCovers

- PRINTING PRESS AND BEYOND

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
We Begin Time Line

       Ancient Writing—the cave painting [30,000 BC]—hieroglyphics [3000 BC]—parchment [A.D. 100]--the illuminated manuscript [A.D. 700]
       Gutenburg’s Printing Press  1455
       Small Printing Press  1885
       By 1912, saw black and white photos of the Titanic on front covers of newspapers
       By 1935, color book covers 
       The last 20 years of the century saw the Random House Electronic Thesaurus in ’81, Sony’s kludgy Data Discman in ’91, books on CD-ROM by ’92 and the Rocket eBook and the SoftBook by ‘99

## We Begin Again Time Line

- 1981

- 1991

- 1992

- 1999

- Last 20 Years

- Random House Electronic Thesaurus

- Sony’s Kludgy Data Discman

- Books on CD-ROM

- Rocket eBook and the Softbook

- 2000

- 2004

- 2005

- 2008

- Future

- Readeron  a Laptop

- Tablet PC

- eBook Titles and ePeriodical Sales Top One Billion $!

- eBook Sales Outperforming Paperback Book Sales

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
We Begin Again Time Line

       Reader on a laptop—2000
       Tablet PC arrives—2004
       eBook titles and ePeriodical Sales Top One Billion Dollars!  2005
       eBook sales outperforming paperback book sales  2008
       See where I’m going with this?

## Post Gutenberg Age

**E-books**
**20 years - 90% of what we read will be electronic**
**Price Differential - Hardcopy of Encyclopedia Britannica for $2000 or the on-line set for about $100**
**iBooks Pilot in Virginia**
**Sony’s Playstation II**
**66 m polygons/sec**
**Experiential Learning**
**20,000 simulated surgeries upon arrival to medical school**
**Virtual testing of chemical combinations **

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
POST GUTENBURG AGE   

       E-Books
       20 yrs—90% of what we read will be electronic
       Examine the price differential—Set of Encyclopedia Britanica for $2000 or the set on-line for about $100
       IBooks Pilot Project (discuss later in presentation)
        
       Sony’s Playstation II
       66m polygons/sec

       Experiential Learning
       20,000 surgeries upon arrival to medical school
       Ability to test chemical combinations without blowing up anything

## New Government New Technology Defines Economy and Society

- New Government** New Technology Defines Economy and Society**

**Industrial Age**
**Steam Engine**
**Electricity**

**Information Age**
**Wireless**
**Internet Technologies**

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
New Technology Defines Economy and Society

Just as the industrial age represented such a change, so does the Information Age

## New Government

**E-Government**
**Horizontal Linkage of the Government**
**Acquisitions Impacted by Section 508**
**E-Grants Driven by the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA)**
**E-Rate Program - Effort to ‘Bridge’ the Digital Divide**
**Redefines Common Business Procedures**
**Better Serve its Customers**
**Effort to Become Customer-centric**

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
NEW GOVERNMENT  
E-Government—The Information Age defined by the new technology shaping the economy and society just as the steam engine and electricity defined the Industrial Age.

During the past few years, the government has made great strides to ensure that the public has on-line information, but being on line doesn’t necessarily translate to ease of business services!

·       Recognizing the government IS a very large business, e-government initiatives promote better and more efficient ways of doing business—like acquisitions and e-grants, or e-commerce
·       E-Rate Program—major breakthrough in getting technology into the classroom—effort to ‘bridge’ the digital divide
·       Greater accessibility to not only low income communities, but also to those with disabilities—Section 508 to ensure that whatever the government purchases in the way of information technology is accessible to those with disabilities
·       Recognition of need for greater security to protect the privacy of citizens, but also to ensure that our children are protected from harmful influences from the very thing that broadens their educational horizons
·       Bush Administration’s commitment to education and the effective use of technology as a powerful educational tool
·       E-Government redefines common business processes like acquisitions or E-Commerce

TRANSITION:  We  have walked thru the ‘beginning of time’ with a ‘vision’ of the future possibilities.  Let’s turn our attention to the issue of access to and effective use of the limitless potential of technology as educational tools.

## The Digital Divide

**Digital Divide Comparable to Head Start Program 40 Years Ago**
**Head Start - created for students who were inadequately prepared for school, as a result of environment or lack of educational experience**
**Digital Divide - represents the gap between those students exposed to information technology and those students who have not had the benefit of “growing up digital”**
**Steps to Close Digital Divide**
**Access to Technology**
**Teacher Training**
**Accessibility for the Disabled**

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
THE DIGITAL DIVIDE 
·       The Web-based Education Commission chaired and co-chaired by Senators Kerrey and Isakson led a year-long effort to explore the ways in which the Internet is changing the delivery of education
·       Found that the Internet opens limitless potential for learning, bringing learning to the students instead of the old model of bringing students to learning
·       They also found that the very thing that literally opens up educational possibilities, also places special populations at a distinct disadvantage—Gartner Group statistics report that:
·       In five years, people who lack access or do not know how to use the Internet “will suddenly find themselves functionally illiterate.”
·       By 2005, 75 percent of adults will be using the Internet
·       That means 50 million adult Americans will NOT have easy access to the Internet
·       As President Bush said when he announced his New Freedom Initiative, in today’s economy, America must be able to draw on the talents and creativity of all its citizens.
·       Related to Education, the digital divide issue is comparable to 40 years ago with the creation of Head Start Programs in recognition that some students were not adequately prepared for school--as a result of environment or lack of educational experiences
·       Key factors to overcome the digital divide:
·       Access to technology is step one to bridge the gap
·       Teacher Training is key to the effective use of technology, and
·       Accessibility for the Disabled

## Access to Technology

**Henrico County Public Schools Pilot Program****Commonwealth of Virginia**
**Brings the district closer to having access to wirelessly networked mobile computing – enabling learning to reach far beyond the classroom**
**Redefines role of technology in education – changing teaching methods and learning strategies for the classroom**
**Ahead of the curve – shifting much of its curriculum to digital media**
**Kids on laptops**
**Commercial Partnership**

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY

Henrico County Public Schools in southeastern Virginia recently began an exciting ‘phased implementation’ of laptops.  
·       23,000 iBooks going to all middle and high school student and teacher to provide access to own laptop computer (eventually every student and teacher will have laptops)
·       Brings the district closer to having access to wirelessly-networked mobile computing and enabling learning to reach far beyond the classroom
·       This innovative program redefines role of technology in education and will change teaching and learning in the classrooms of Henrico County
·       Coined as “total computer access’ . . . “opening up a world of information to every child of every socioeconomic background”
·       Laptops designed for durability—able to withstand the rough-and-tumble school environment as well as versatility—the teacher can hook to a television or projector to show the iBook screen to entire class.
·       Henrico County ahead of the curve in that the district is busy shifting much of its curriculum to digital media
·       Money to pay for the 4-year lease—estimated at $18.4 million—has been diverted from funds previously used for books and paper.
·       IBook stats
·       500MHz PowerPC GEprocessor
·       Weighs 4.9 pounds
·       1.3 inches thick
·       12-screen can show 1,024 by 768 pixels
·       Good news is that notebook makers are becoming more and more competitive!

## Access to TechnologyThrough Broadband

**Definition:**
**	****The term "broadband" refers to any type of transmission technique that carries several data channels over a common wire. DSL services, for example, combine separate voice and data channels over a single telephone line.**

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**

What is Broadband?

Definition:  The term “broadband” refers to any type of transmission technique that carries several data channels over a common wire.  DSL services, for example, combine separate voice and data channels over a single telephone line 

Implications for Education:  Bring geographically remote schools close to all the information resources available in metropolitan areas—transforms academic opportunities and broadens horizons for many students remotely

## Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

**Provides high-speed networking over ordinary phone lines using digital modem technology.**
** **
**Integrates voice and data functionality,****bringing the "always on“ feature****of the telephone to the computer****network. **
**Theoretically supports data rates****of 8,448 Kbps (8.448 Mbps), although****typical rates vary from 1,544 Kbps to****512 Kbps and****	****	****sometimes as****low as 90 Kbps.**

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

       Provides high-speed networking over ordinary phone lines using digital modem technology
       Integrates voice and data functionality, bringing the “always on” feature of the telephone to the computer network
       Theoretically supports data rates of 8,448 Kbps (8.448 Mbps), although typical rates vary from 1,544 Kbps to 512 Kbps and sometimes as low as 90 Kbps

## DISH Network® and StarBandsm

- DISH Network Signal

- StarBand Internet Signal

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
DISH Network and StarBand

       The dish must have a clear unobstructed view of the southern sky.  Two standard coaxial cables connect the satellite dish antenna to a PC or a StarBand “satellite modem.”
       The antenna both sends requests to the Internet and receives Internet content via the satellite, which is in orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator.  The satellite, in turn, communicates with StarBand’s hub facility, which has a direct connection to the internet.
       The StarBand system can also be configured to receive satellite television service from EchoStar’s DISH Network – in addition to your two-way satellite Internet service from StarBand—using a single dish antenna.
       Inside your house, the StarBand system consists of either a “satellite Modem” that attaches to your home PC through the USB port, or a pre-configured desktop PC outfitted with a satellite receiver card and a satellite transmitter card.  In both cases, no telephone connection, diall-up account or other internet service providers are needed.  StarBand does it all for you.

## Comparison

| DSL | DISH Network and StarBand |
| --- | --- |
| Requires:phone line | Requires:dish and receiver |
| Connection speed:ranges from 128 kbps to 1.544 Mbps | Connection speed:ranges from 150 kbps to 500 kbps |
| Signal affected by:distance, wire thickness and voice amplifiers (load coils) | Signal affected by:weather and southern exposure |
| Cost:depends on connection speed and number of users – 
Varies from $30 to $400 a month | Cost:includes equipment, installation and service
Equipment/Install $700 (one time)
Monthly service $70 - $100   |

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
Here, you can clearly see the differences between these two methods of Data transmission

Appropriate transmission technologies vary

## Teacher Training

**Learning institutions are encouraged to provide continuous and relevant training and support for educators and administrators at all levels**
**Findings of the Web-based Education Commissions revealed that not enough is being done to assure that today’s educators have the skills and knowledge for effective Web-based teaching**

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
For those of you who have been teaching for many years, I’m sure you can see the similarities from, say, 15 years ago—then 30 years ago.  

Think back one generation—you business education teachers probably began your career teaching Typewriting—you used  electric typewriters—but did YOU learn to type on an electric machine or a manual?

Business Education Departments 15-20 years ago were just beginning to get electronic typewriters and Apple computers that had 64K memory and IBM Displaywriters using an 8” disk.  DOS was the ‘universal” operating system 

How many of you had to take a college course to ensure your proficiency in the use of a PC or to learn computer programming.

For those of you growing up in a more digital age, information technology has been a part of your life—for those of us who DIDN’T, we had to learn.

For technology to be used most effectively, teachers must be trained so technology can be effectively implemented into the curriculum

## Accessibility for the Disabled

**Technology can level the playing field and increase the independence of people with disabilities**
**Cost is a problem – computers with adaptive technology can cost $20,000**
**Statistics reveal that access to the Internet and computer use by the disabled could be improved – technology helps “level the playing field”**

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE DISABLED

According to a Commerce Department report, the following was found to be true:

             Technology can level the playing field and increase the independence of people with disabilities.  

             However, access to computers and the Internet is still limited. 

             Cost is a problem.  
          Computers with adaptive technology can cost $20,000.
          Median income of Americans with disabilities is far below the national average. 

       Less Internet Access for Disabled  
       21.6% of disabled have access to Internet
       42.1% of those without a disability have access
        Less Computer Use for Disabled
       60% of those with a disability have never used a personal computer (Compared to about 25% without disability)
       25% of people with a disability own a computer(Compared to 66% of all U.S. adults)

TRANSITON:  How can we help ensure that ‘no child is left behind’ as a result of the digital divide?  What are some of the  educational priorities that focus on education and technology?

## Leave No Child Behind

**Current educational initiatives focusing on education and technology**
**Expanding Flexibility, Reducing Bureaucracy**
***Title I Flexibility***
***Increased funds to schools for technology***
**Improving Teacher Quality**
***All students taught by quality teachers***
***Funding what works***

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
Title 1 flexibility means more schools will be able to operate Title 1 schoolwide programs and combine federal funds with local and state funds to improve the quality of the entire school

Increased funds to schools for technology allows e-rate funds and technology grant funds to be consolidated and distributed to schools through states and local districts based on need.  This will also ensure that schools no longer have to submit multiple grant applications and incur the associated administrative burdens to obtain education technology funding

To support the need for teacher quality, states and localities will be given flexibility in the use of federal funds so that they may focus more on improving teacher quality—states will be expected to ensure that all children are taught  by effective teachers.  Integrating technology needs to be a part of teacher training curriculum as well as continuing professional development

High standards for professional development will be set to ensure that federal funds promote ressearched-based, effective practice in the classroom—funding that really works.

## Closing Thoughts

**Technology is not a panacea**
**Technology is powerful tool**
**Student centered, continuous learning**
***Technology should help ensure that no child is left behind***

- Overcome the Digital Divide

- 6/27/2001

**Notes:**
Technology is not the panacea for every problem in education
Technology is the powerful tool by which we level the playing field for the disabled learner
Technology allows learning to be centered around the student rather than the classroom
Technology allows more focus to be placed upon the individual learners
Technology means we can make learning a practical reality
We must diligently work to ensure no child is left behind as the result of a digital divide