Digital/ Class Divides

Digital/Class divides

The world has certainly become so advanced and digitalised, so much that existing without basic knowledge of technology and digital devices has become a yoke. Noting the importance of a digitalised world, one should take into cognisance the divide that digitalisation has brought between the different levels and realms that exist in society. We now live in a world where modern activities are distinctly contrasted to the rather more ancient ways of communication. FJP’s came together to discuss this issue, and everybody had an opinion to contribute. The ‘natives’, being those born in the digital age, had contrasting ideas to the ‘immigrants’, these being people who are new to this age of technology

WENDY NGCOBO: Poverty should be at the forefront of this topic, children or parents from rural areas cannot worry about internet or a cell phone when they don’t have food.

MEGAN STACY DEANE: It will take more that just schools getting computers and kids getting internet access to bridge the gap between the class divide, it will take time and great innovation.

NOKUTHULA WATHI: I think the focus should be on bridging the literacy gap than the digital. Being able to read and write is essential. Then they can worry about learning the technology later on.

SESETHU MALGAS: The lower class lack exposure and cannot afford these expensive digital equipments but as they get older, educated and become a working class they can get access to these technologies.

AKHONA VALASHIYA: I think before there's even introduction of digital literacy in schools. Schools need to have proper classes and digital literate teachers to bridge that gap between digital and class literature.

NOKWAZI KHUMALO: Access to the internet and technology is still a huge issue in African countries and has dramatic consequences. Non-commercial intervention is my suggestion in bridging the gap.

DUSCHANKA HITZEROTH: The PUKU project bases concern on the education crisis and to bridge the gap of literacy. However, 90% of African children are without internet access thus making it virtually impossible to mend the issue.

BUSISIWE BUSENGA: The digital age is widening the gap between the rich and poor. There is a gradual increase in the ethnic barriers, political regimes and without access rises underdeveloped economies.

THABISO SIHLALI: Worrying about moving with the new media instead of being concerned on the basics of our ailing school system won’t benefit the pleasure of new media to those who need it most.

BHEKIMPILO DUNGENI: Digitalisation has created a bigger rift between people at large, and countries stand so much apart, now that some countries have resource and others, especially African countries, do not.

The gap between the rich and the poor has increased so much that it has become difficult to close. Societies are now part of a table or a chart that has been dissected into small parts that hold dichotomous values and quality. I believe one of the solutions, which is providing education and access at to it at an early age, will certainly make a difference for everyone in the world.