Digital Divide in Online Learning

On another note, an interesting element of our discussion tuned into the notion of 'digital divide.'  The have and have-nots when it comes to access to technology, knowledge of computing technologies, or the world wide web.  Is the divide shrinking?  How does this divide impact online learning and design for online learning environments?

From my own experience working at a home and community health care organization, we find that there definitely was a digital divide among employees when it came to accessing online learning.  As the organization is spread across geographies nationally both in rural, urban and suburban areas, so was the scope of access to and knowledge of technology (and technology for learning purposes) and how to use it.

As online learning instructors and designers of such environments, I think we not only have to be aware of the audience and who has access to technology, both physical hardware and access to the web (including know speed of access), but also understand how sophisticated the audience of learners are in terms of knowing how to learn in an online environment. The following questions come to mind:

• Do they know how to interact with others in a forum, what's acceptable interaction, what's not?  
• Do they know about their rights as an online learner when it comes to posting personal information or accessing others information?
• Do they understand the learning objectives and outcomes of participating in online education?
• Do they understand online eithics and etiquette of referencing and copyright?
• What are their expectations of participating in an online learning environment?

When it comes to the digital divide and online learning, have designers and instructors planned for these gaps and how to address them.  Its something, we need to ensure we are considering in order there to be successful learning interactions between learners, learners and the instructor and learners and the learning environment (including instructional material).

Returning to the organizational example, we had to take into account computer literacy when designing online learning programs and courses.  We took a two-pronged approach: We had to ensure that those with the lowest levels were given the tools and aid to access technology and understand how to physically use it, before online learning participation.  And, we had to keep more advanced learners engaged--how, by providing optional ways of learning like participating in forums, advanced learning activities and encouraging participation in mentoring others on the online learning experience.

Challenges, still persist, but by helping one-another learn, we are slowing closing the divide.  Also by understanding how learners use technology or what technology they are more comfortable using and building for that learning environment.  (ie. are they more comfortable with using a smartphone over a computer?  Or is their preference for a tablet? Perhaps a hybrid or blended learning approach where a teleconference or live interaction is coupled with online learning?)

References:

Online learning and the digital divide in the workplace:  http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/archive/mbrown.html

E-learning & the digital divide in higher education:  http://is2.lse.ac.uk/asp/aspecis/20050141.pdf

Ethical issues in e-learning:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N134hn-KfDo