The digital divide (DD): a reconceptualization for educators

The author attempts to elaborate upon the popularized notion of the digital divide (DD). Previously, the DD has been defined as a lack of access to information technology for specific groups. This “access DD, ” in the opinion of the author, is an incorrect conceptualization for educators. The author then explains why educators must redirect their attention and resources to solve the more nebulous “social DD.” The notion of a digital divide (DD) has inspired the activity of government, business, and academia. Each of these communities carries differing sets of means, motives, and responsibilities; however, they generally agree that the DD must be bridged. The phrase “digital divide ” is actually a distilled label for a relationship between the information haves and have-nots. As a metaphor, the phrase works well. Meaning that, the word “divide ” signifies an information barrier between different groups. However, the problem with the metaphor is that it focuses too much attention upon the divide a