A very-very rough draft of an excerpt from my paper!

There is a growing need for technical skills in today’s society.  According to Horan and Wells “’acquiring and applying knowledge will increasingly become the key competitive factor – for career and earnings opportunities of individuals …’” (p. 28).  Information and technology skills are much needed for individuals to succeed in the job market.  Information and Technology Communities (ICTs) are needed to help develop these skills.  According to Ahmed “there is a consensus that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) hold great promise for development by connecting people to more accurate and up-to-date sources of information and knowledge” (p. 337).  Having access to ICTs can help people in disadvantaged communities receive the technical skills that can help them compete with others who have technical skills.  Access to information can help improve the lives of individuals as well.  Horan and Wells state in their article “… the potential role of ICTs might play in enabling improvements in community learning, health care, and other important services” (p.35). 

My thoughts on my paper so far

What is the central question you paper speaks to?

The central questions are: are ICTs important, are digital communities that provide services to citizens especially in disadvantage neighborhoods important.

What are the most relevant theories?

The relevant theories are the importance of ICTs, the Digital Divide that exists, providing support for Digital Communities or people and organizations who provide the services, and are Digital Communities relevant in today’s society.

Who are your straw people?

I just have a host of article by: Ahmed, Megwa, Horan & Wells among others. Sorry I can’t open EndNote on these computers, but if I could I would put my whole Bib. list.  I keep coming up with ideas after reading the articles. One thing I wanted find out more on after reading an article on the Digital Divide were the Yurok Indians of California. The article had mentioned how they do not even have electricity to receive computer technology. I wanted to know what has happened to them since this article was written (back in 2000).  I was want to know where the issues facing the Digital Divide stand as of today. I keep looking for materials so I’ll see how it turns out.
 

What are your tentative findings?

I think there is a divide in who has access to computer technology.  The programs are needed, and they are out there.  However, I think that for right now money may need to be spent elsewhere such as Black-on-Black crime.  I also feel that some programs are out there, but will people take advantage of it.  I feel they will not. Plus, there needs to be awareness of programs (Digital Communities) that do offer programs.