VII Social Impact Efforts must be made to ensure that all students, regardless of gender, cultural, geographic or socio-economic circumstances, have equitable access to information and communication technology. The integration of technology into the education system could serve to exaggerate inequities. Inequitable access will make it increasingly difficult for disadvantaged students to exercise real choice and to receive a relevant education.
Additional factors can inadvertently exacerbate technological inequities.
Corporate involvement in public school technology issues raises other concerns. Corporate marketing objectives may not be consistent with educational objectives. Young men predominate in computer labs, senior level IT courses and jobs in the IT sector. Gender differences easily become neglected issues unless they are the focus of policy and research. The identification and elimination of obstacles to young women's use of digital technologies should be the focus of continuing enquiry.