Digital Divide

The DFE Proposal I submitted in the fall went forward, and I thought I would blog some of my experiences thus far.

Sara Naab has been an exceptional mentor. I would strongly recommend that anyone interested in learning more about thinking through information strategies in an international setting get in touch with her, even just to talk. Our weekly phone calls have been a real help this semester, even just to share information and struggles.

Five Countries May Try $100 Laptop By John Markoff THE NEW YORK TIMES CAMBRIDGE, MASS. When computer industry executives heard about a plan to build a $100 laptop for the developing world’s children, they generally ridiculed the idea. How could you build such a computer, they asked, when screens alone cost about $100? Mary Lou Jepsen, the chief technologist for the project, likes to refer to the insight that transformed the machine from utopian dream to working prototype as “a really wacky idea.”

Notes from September 15 Community Info Corps Seminar Today’s discussion focused on Wireless Washtenaw which seeks to create a community wireless broadband network. Representatives from Wireless Washtenaw visited class and answered questions. Initial Questions asked by students: 1) How will Wireless Washtenaw work in rural areas? What about relationships with Comcast and other providers/competitors

Gavin Clarkson writes: If you've ever wondered about American Indian tribes and how and where they fit into the larger fabric of America (other than their respective placements on the maps in West Hall), I will be teaching a 3-credit Federal Indian Law at the law school this fall and would like to invite SI students to enroll. 686 Federal Indian Law MW 8:35am-10:00am Hutchins Hall 218

For the September 15, 2006 class we will explore the rhetoric of the "Digital Divide" and efforts to provide access to technology for those who would not have access under private market provisioning. We will focus on public access eforts within the United States this week. Next week, we'll look internationally. Projects have attempted to provide access both to basic computing, and to communication networks.