Digital Divide

1
Digital Divide
Kimberley Heitman, B.Juris, Llb, AACS Director of
Legal Services, University of Western
Australia www.kheitman.com
2
Overview

• As computer professionals, you may decide to act
  as enthusiasts for your profession and its
  ability to transform lives.
• The Digital Divide is a real issue for those left
  behind by the information economy by reason of
  lack of education or money.
• Both educational and financial barriers must be
  overcome. Not everyone can access information.

3
The Barriers

• Disability
• Illiteracy
• ESL
• Cost
• Time
• Aversion
• Any others?

4
Things you can do

• Educate
• Finance
• Persuade
• Enable
• Lead

5
Things you can do now

• Computer Angels www.ca.asn.au
• Training www.internetcommunityhour.com
• WAIX www.waia.asn.au
• FreeNet www.wafreenet.org
• Open Source www.auug.org.au
• Usability www.chisig.org
• Civil liberties www.efa.org.au

6
Things that still need doing

• Cheap Internet Device
• Access to repairs
• "Firmware" open source
• ESL trainers
• WAIX content and services
• Regulatory environment
• Grunt volunteer work -)

7
Thank you. Any Questions?

• Kimberley Heitman kheitman_at_kheitman.com