Building Community and Digital Divide

In regard to building a successful college community in a technologically savvy era, we believe that it is important for the college to lay the foundation. The main reason why students flock to their computers is because computers are something that is familiar to them, while being in college is not. It is the colleges’ responsibility to draw these students out by providing programming and reaching out. Students in unfamiliar surroundings need to be catered to with creative programming specifically designed for them.
On the issue of digital divide in higher education, we must recognize the haves and have-nots. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) tend to have less technology advancements that historically white colleges and universities. According to B. Keith Fulton, one of the most recognized authorities in Digital Divide issues in the United States, “One benchmark is the "Most Wired College" list, and I believe two HBCU’s made the list last year -- one being Tennessee State and the other being Hampton University...(Morehouse also made the list.) .” When only three HBCU’s make this list it shows a significant gap in the advantages that students graduating from these schools will have. Higher education must address the issue of the digital divide to continue to prepare students for the global marketplace.
The role of Community Colleges also will be an important factor in bridging digital divide. Community Colleges have the ability to train students in a shorter period of time and get them out into the technological workplace. Dr. Gustavo Mellander stated, “…the two-year institutions can gear up quickly, they are accessible in terms of location and cost, and they are experienced in teaching nontraditional students.” Given these advantages, community colleges should lead the way in a new national effort to provide computer training to those who are most at risk of being left behind. Higher education in America has played an integral role in developing computer and internet- related technologies. It is important that with development, higher education institutions also prepare individuals to work with this technology and level the playing fields so all schools are able to compete.