As record numbers of Americans flock to the Web, many can't find what they need to compete in a modern economy . Now, he says, advocates for the disenfranchised are focusing on the skills their clients need to use the Net effectively . Devices are dropping in cost . Rhode warns, however, that online job postings, education, and health and government information must become more relevant to people outside the mainstream. Otherwise, gaps between rich and poor will still widen.
Economic conservatives say they recognize the progress made.
But they say the government has wasted money on PCs and Internet connections that go underused. It's been more about skills and how to use the technologies once you get access to them. A recent study by the Children's Partnership in Santa Monica, Calif., surveyed more than 100 low-income Net users, nearly 100 community technology leaders and other experts, and reviewed 1,000 Web sites. Survey participants said they wanted more job classifieds, especially entry-level positions. They wanted better housing information and online education.