School Equity . While schools in low-income communities have made strides toward acquiring new technologies, these gains are unlikely to have a lasting effect unless teachers are comfortable with new technologies. Unfortunately, schools in low-income communities have fewer resources than wealthy communities for teacher training and technology support. This is particularly worrisome since many children in low-income communities are not exposed to new technology at home. Those who are concerned about equality in the information age cannot afford to ignore debates in state legislatures about school funding for staff and training.
Funding is only part of the answer, though.
Long-term volunteers are needed to help schools and individual teachers learn how to use computers and the Internet effectively. Job Training . Success in the job market of the future will require a high level of familiarity with technology. The Information Technology Association of America estimated in early 1997 that one in ten technology jobs goes unfilled because of a shortage of trained workers. Job training programs should focus on developing clients' skills with computers and communications tools.