Is Internet a Necessity?

The XO System seems to be a great new device to help those individuals in developing countries. It can assist those seeking a higher education because, by using laptops, they are presented with a brand new sphere of knowledge. Accessing the Internet gives students the opportunity to expand their horizons by reading information from other countries while also allowing them to question what they already know by reading scholarly articles by professors and educators alike.

I think those that criticize the system and giving laptops to small children need to take a closer look. Just like Bill Thompson, I believe that laptops and the Internet are waves of the future and are not going away anytime soon. Although these people in developing countries can also use food and other necessities, Internet is becoming a necessity. Therefore, it does not seem crazy nor bizarre for developing countries to request laptops as well as food and water.

However, the only thing I disagree with that seems to be present in these articles seem to be the safety features. For example, making the keypad and keys small so that an adult would not be able to use it if a laptop was stolen. What happens when the children turn into adolescents? If they are in school the students should still be able to use their personalized computers. But, if they have grown, they will not be able to because their fingers will be too big. Perhaps something else could be implemented so that these laptops, if they get in the wrong hands, will be useless for that individual.

Internet should not just be located or available only for countries that can afford it. Rather, it is our job to bring access to those who by themselves might not be able to receive it. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to give out laptops with Internet availability. It is becoming a crucial element of our daily lives and is necessary for all people. Until all individuals have it, our quest should be to provide it along with other necessities.

Outsourcing: A Problem in the Digital Era

Outsourcing. The moving of jobs from one country to another. Normally, this seems like a good idea because it allows some of the under-developed countries to start creating jobs, thus boosting their economy. Individuals who never really had a shot to make themselves anything get a second chance. Although working at computers is not their ideal job, it is the launching board for them to continue in the workforce and move up to other, more fruitful positions.

However, what about the countries that are outsourcing? Take for example the United States. Currently in what is perhaps the worst economic situation since the Great Depression, the job availability is looking very grim. At a time when many Americans need to find jobs, the government is sending them all overseas. Why is this so? Shouldn't the government be offering these jobs to those in our own country? I don't mean to sound bitter, but the United States should be taking care of its citizens first. Once the country has stabilized and created new jobs, the jobs which were originally going to be outsourced can continue to be.

This somewhat of a rant stems from "Who Benefits From the Digital Divide?" One of the four main focuses pays special attention to information capital in developed countries. Yes, I understand the need for cheap labor, but perhaps the tasks should be given to their own countrymen. However, people believe that outsourcing to other countries gives those inhabitants the opportunity to become part of the Internet. While creating this opportunity, they are systematically destroying their own country. Isn't this somewhat ironic?

It does seem ironic and I believe that the use of Internet and other technologies can be brought to under-developed countries in various other ways. Jobs could be created in the United States which would in fact promote Internet availability for countries which do not have easy accessibility. This would not only provide jobs for Americans, but also decrease the every widening digital divide.

Are Classrooms a Thing of the Past?

This past week in class we discussed a new trend that is occurring on college campuses throughout the country: online courses. Essentially, it would remove the students and professors from the classroom, do away with lectures, and allow those to attend class from their own laptop. Even though this seems like a technological savvy idea, it still takes away from the professor-student relationship. Granted, maybe students who are in big lecture classes, say 50 or more students, would like having an online class because, perhaps in some way, the professor would learn more about each particular attendant than they would in an actual lecture hall.


However, what about the universities that are able to offer small classes, thus enhancing the professor's relationship to each individual student? Although it would be nice to have the option to pick either to attend class in your dorm room or a classroom, nobody has really considered the loss of personal interaction. Part of the college experience is being able to not only interact with your peers, but also professors. It seems to be saying that professors served a purpose for a short time, but now because there is some new development, the classroom relationship is no longer. Instead of talking to students during the lesson, educators would only have to film something and then post it online. Therefore, the relationship that normally occurs is diminished with one single source: the Internet.

Although I agree that a new form of instruction would be appreciated besides the lecture one that is present in most colleges, I feel that a complete and abrupt change to online classes might be too hasty. This new option needs time to be integrated more fully into the curriculum. Choices are good because they make the student feel like they have some control over what they are learning. Thus, perhaps the offering of having online classes could start slowly and not be forced onto learners. Rather, it should only be one option. Classrooms should not be done away with because there might be something better out there. Give students the ability to make the decision for themselves and they will make the choice that is right for them.