Group 3-comparing the article to larger class themes

Servon.  Building the Bridge:  Learning from Seattle.

 

     This article relates to many larger themes discussed that we discussed throughout the entire semester.  It provides an excellent example of narrowing the digital divide, various organizations and the city working together to solve problems with technology and improve IT problems as well. 

    Seattle's attempt to deal with the technology gap earlier than most cities relates to various attempts to close the digital divide that we have discussed.  Seattle has attempted to address the major challenges of the digital divide by improving access, closing minority technology gaps, and continues to provide more CLCs and to address education issues.  Instead of being content with digital inclusion, as other articles have suggested, Seattle is continuing its quest to minimize the digital divide by setting the goal of technological literacy for all of its residents.  

      Seattle has created a strong emphasis on various organizations and the city working together to make improve technology for everyone within the city.  The city created the Citizens’ Telecommunication and Technology Board to help solve problems with access, income, education, and connectivity.  The city also has a planner to help set goals the city hopes to achieve by narrowing the digital divide.  Seattle works with HUD to help create more CTC is needed areas and to keep them running efficiently.  Bellevue, a local community college provides IT training to all of Seattle’s residents and works closely with technology companies to improve education and access.  The city has created IT tools that work toward their planned goals and promote better technology to all within the city.  The community technology planner has created the ability to work across all local government departments to benefit the residents within the city.

The city of Seattle has attempted to minimize their digital divide by working together and not accepting what they have already accomplished as "good enough".  As a result, more minorities are moving across the digital divide, people dealing with educational issues are able to get training and become skilled, low income residents are able to access CTC centers without the fear of transportation difficulties, and things will continue to improve as long as they stay on track with their goals.  I think this article represents a great attempt to solve all the problems that cause the digital divide.