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President Issues National Call to Action on the Digital Divide
Earlier this week, President Clinton announced 400 companies and non-profit organizations have signed on to a "National Call to Action to Close the Digital Divide." The document outlines two goals, each with four specific actions to bring the digital opportunity presented by the New Economy to youths, families, and communities around the country. The goals are :
"GOAL ONE: 21st Century Learning Tools for Every Child in Every School
For children to succeed, they need to master basic skills at an early age. A critical element of this is the need for information and technological literacy. To help achieve these aims, we must focus on a comprehensive approach to integrating technology into teaching and learning while recognizing that -- as powerful as technology is -- it is no substitute for an inspiring teacher or a loving parent.
"Together, we must:
- Connect every classroom to the Internet
- Ensure that all students have modern multi-media computer access, ideally at a ratio of one computer for every 4-5 students
- Ensure that teachers are technologically literate and can integrate technology into the curriculum
- Make available high quality educational software and online learning resources
"GOAL TWO: Digital Opportunity for Every American Family and Community
"To ensure that no family or community is left behind, we must:
- Set the long-term goal of making home access to the Internet universal
- Bring technology to every community -- urban, rural, and Native American -- through Community Technology Centers and high-speed networks
- Give adults the skills they need to use information technology and compete for jobs in the IT sector
- Motivate and inspire more people to appreciate the value of 'getting connected'"
The Call to Action was released in association with the White House Conference on the New Economy. While most of the action items in the Call to Action require participation and involvement from state and local governments, absent from the list of attendees for the conference were any representatives from the states.