Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id eAFFmD925758; Wed, 15 Nov 2000 10:48:13 -0500 (EST) Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 10:48:13 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <82.2db7150.2743394f@aol.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: MMalo63388@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:1428] Re: Digital Divide - A Skills or Acces X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Unknown sub 171 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="part1_82.2db7150.2743394f_boundary" Status: O Content-Length: 3927 Lines: 71 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit This has been a very helpful subject on the listserv. I agree with Ajit that access is a significant issue. This is self-evident to those with contact with low-income families who make difficult choices for spending limited funds. Regarding the question of Internet access with old computers. I am experimenting with different free services that include substantial questionnaires that I found personally invasive. The students I work with are limited to free services, so I am trying them out. One option that exists for people who own computers lacking CDROMs is Prodigy. It is available on disk. We installed Prodigy as a free trial introduction to the Internet. Then we download directly to the computers free services that aren't available via floppies e.g. Juno and Netzero. I am concerned that Netzero has extensive advertisements. Furthermore, the service solicits members to gambling sites. Access to the Internet through these free services opens a Pandora's Box that includes lures to gambling, pornography, and hidden usage costs. The lures are more aggressive than with paid services. This is worrisome as low-income families are limited to free services to access the Internet. I believe in opening Pandora's Box. Internet access has a dramatic positive impact on students' self esteem and motivation. I am, however, alerting parents to the dangers of the Internet. I am teaching parents to install their own passwords to limit home access to their children and having them sign release forms to our program for liability as they acquire access. Thank you all for your comments. They have helped me pursue this topic for students and their families. Mary Maloney
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