Technology has become a big part of our daily lives.

Can you image if you couldn't use the Internet even for a day?

This is a reality for many people throughout the world.

What is the digital divide?

How widespread is the problem?

The digital divide is a relatively new term that emerged with the rapid development of technology. The digital divide refers to the separation between people who utilize current technology and those who do not.

The ICT Development Index (IDI) measures access, use, and skills in information and communication technology (ICT). Key factors in the index include mobile and broadband availability, subscriptions, and usage.

The IDI indicates that there is a great disparity in the adaptation of technology between countries. Least developed countries and developing countries have a much lower IDI than developed countries with a range of 0.96 to 8.86 in 2013 (Measuring the Information Society 2014).

There also are significant differences in the IDI within regions. One contributing factor is geographical location; those living in rural areas have a much lower percentage of online subscriptions.

In 2015, the ICT Data and Statistics Division reported that 4 billion people from developing countries did not have the Internet. In least developed countries, they found that 851 million people did not have the Internet; this is over 90% of their population (The World in 2015: ICT Facts and Figures).

Another significant factor is the cost of online subscriptions in relationship to income. The cost of Internet access is much higher in certain parts of the world that lack infrastructure and regulatory agents. If individuals are living in these areas and also have a low income, the Internet is out of their price range (Measuring the Information Society 2014).

While many people do not have access to the Internet, some choose to not use the Internet. Research indicates that Internet usage greatly declines with age. In a study conducted by Pew Internet & American Life Project in 2007, 32% of people who are 65 and older use the Internet in comparison to 87% of people who are between the ages of 18 and 29 (Web 2.0 and Emerging Learning Technologies/Digital Divide).

The variation in the use of technology has created a digital divide between countries and regions within countries.

As a result of the digital divide, a new type of inequality has developed, the digital inequality.

Those who do not utilize technology are lacking knowledge and are at a disadvantage in society. Without these resources, it is more difficult to compete in a global economy. Studies have also found an impact on social development and environmental sustainability. In addition, research has found correlations between IDI and poverty levels, mortality rates, and serious illnesses (Emerging Learning Technologies/Digital Divide).

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes the importance of combating digital inequality in our country. To remain competitive, there is an educational plan to empower our future workforce.

Technology is a key driver in this plan. If utilized to its full potential, technology can increase engagement and improve learning outcomes. Teachers can develop customized learning experiences to meet the needs of the individual learner. Assessment tools can be incorporated to measure students' performance and provide data for continuous improvement. Technology can also be utilized to build infrastructure and a learning network that connects teachers, learners, and resources (Transforming American Education Learning Powered by Technology).

As you would expect, digital inequalities also exist in organizations throughout the United States.

I talked to several of my co-workers, Instructional Designers for a corporate company, and identified the top concerns when developing training programs.

The first issue is comfort with technology.

Many of the older employees are are not as comfortable using technology. This creates a challenge when Instructional Designers are using new tools such as a new webinar platform.

The second issue that we encounter is a delay in software updates.

We often do not have the most recent version of software, because the company restricts us from downloading updates when they are first available.

The third issue is that all offices do not have computer labs.

With software training, it is helpful for employees to practice navigating within the system. There are many locations that do not have computer labs and employees do not have portable computers to bring into a training room.

I have several recommendations to solve these issues.

To help the older employees feel more comfortable with new technology, I recommend providing additional training on the new tool. This could be a short video or a job aid that contains an overview of the tool and information for troubleshooting.

Regarding the limitation of software downloads, I recommend that the IT department tests software updates as soon as they are available. This will allow us to receive the updated functionality sooner.

To make sure that we are able to conduct software training with computers, I recommend that all employees in a location that does not have a computer lab be supplied with a laptop.

As the research has indicated, it is critical to empower people with information and technology.

In the corporate world, we need to make sure that we provide employees with the tools and technology that allow them to be efficient and have access to valuable information. To be successful with the tools and information, the employees need to receive adequate training that is customized to their individual needs. To effectively communicate this information to employees, Instructional Designers need current software and a supporting infrastructure.

By empowering employees, we are also abiding by the professional code of ethics.
This aligns with the following areas of the AECT Code of Professional Ethics:

- Commitment to the Individual # 1. "Shall encourage independent action in an individual's pursuit of learning and shall provide access to varying points of view" (Code of Professional Ethics).
- Commitment to the Individual # 3. "Shall guarantee to each individual the opportunity to participate in any appropriate program" (Code of Professional Ethics).
- Commitment to Society #4. "Shall strive continually to improve professional knowledge and skill and to make available to patrons and colleagues the benefit of that person's professional attainments" (Code of Professional Ethics).

Code of Professional Ethics. http://aect.site-ym.com/members/group_content_view.asp?group=91131&id=30996...

Measuring the Information Society 2014: https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-d/opb/ind/D-IND-ICTOI-2014-SUM-PDF-E.pdf

Transforming American Education Learning Powered by Technology. http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010-execsumm.pdf

Web 2.0 and Emerging Learning Technologies/Digital Divide (Wikibooks).
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Web_2.0_and_Emerging_Learning_Technologies/Dig...

The World in 2015: ICT Facts and Figures: http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/ICTFactsFigures2015....