This issue parallels to some extent discussions on other lists. I don't think the question can be answered or has been answered generically. I see no evidience that the disenfranchised and educational acess challenged have been able to gain any advantage or march on those who have access to the full spectrum of opportunities. In building basic technical skills the references cited by you may have some relevance. Thanks for some stimulating discussions.
Technology is always a tool to enhance learning.
I wonder whether it is the source of equity that we sometimes think that it is. Access is often confused with equity. We have overlaid new technologies across already embedded inequities and the promises of new relationships between the haves and the have nots have simply not materialised. In our passion for the tools we may have lost sight of our projects and be beuilding more edifices which reinforce the income and life style differences rather than dismantling them. People need social and intellectual capital in large quantities to be able To 'take advantage ' of the new technologies.