tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054198.post112844218718813780..comments2023-11-05T03:43:25.425-05:00Comments on It's all good: Once More, Into the BreachAlicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14200513597599114189noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054198.post-1128620137894342262005-10-06T13:35:00.000-04:002005-10-06T13:35:00.000-04:00Hi - this is Chrystie, the author of said post, an...Hi - this is Chrystie, the author of said post, and I want to thank Alane for saying that it was thought-provoking. That's very nice, thank you.<BR/><BR/>I do want to clear up one tiny thing. I work with WebJunction, not QuestionPoint. As much as I love those QP folk, I have yet to infiltrate there with my anarchistic ways. :)<BR/><BR/>Another day, perhaps, I will get my chance...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054198.post-1128614552327536762005-10-06T12:02:00.000-04:002005-10-06T12:02:00.000-04:00This TV vs. Computers argument is odd...Just becau...This TV vs. Computers argument is odd...<BR/><BR/>Just because many people make a choice that doesn't seem to be a good one, doesn't mean that we should deny access to another choice that we think is better. That's like saying that because many people drive gas-guzzling SUVs, therefore we should not have public transportation because it uses fossil fuels. It's an illogical argument. <BR/><BR/>If anything, saying that TV is overvalued compared to computer literacy is an argument FOR having more computers in libraries, as it would stimulate awareness and usage. More people choose TV over reading, too... does that argue for taking the books out of libraries as well?<BR/><BR/>We have short memories. Private ownership and usage of home computers is still very, very new. The Mac came out in 1984... just about 20 years ago. That's peanuts in a social-evolution timeframe. And the Internet and email really only caught on about 10 years ago. <BR/><BR/>We have millions of people in the US who don't know how to use computers and related technology who aren't poor! I know, because I still have to help many of them figure out "what that little yellow smiley icon is for." I'm "that guy" for my extended family and friends. It's not just about class and wealth, it's about education and emphasis. <BR/><BR/>Whether it's because of where you're from geographically, your age, or your economic status, or just what else you've been up to... having a safe, friendly, non-affiliated place to go and learn about tech is hugely important.<BR/><BR/>When my grandfather, who, at the time was 91, found out that there were chat rooms focused on gardening (his passion), he then decided he needed a computer and the Internet. He went to his local library and took a series of computer literacy classes for seniors. He went to the library because, as a former superintendant of schools, he knew that that's where you go to learn stuff your whole life long. After taking the classes, he turned around and offered to teach them.<BR/><BR/>We need to better define the goals of computers in libraries, yes. But I don't think there's any question that knowing how to appropriately understand and interact with them and the wider issues related to technology in modern life is a key element of a successful life in 21st century America.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054198.post-1128528621354184212005-10-05T12:10:00.000-04:002005-10-05T12:10:00.000-04:00Actually, I don't think you are entirely correct. ...Actually, I don't think you are entirely correct. There are a lot of people who may own a cheap second have tv (we are talking under 20 bucks), that do not have any channels outside of maybe 1 or 2 free local channels. In my area, you can not get any channel package for less then 40$ a month unless you can prove that you are on a fixed income, then you can get 5 channels for $7 a month. Therefore, I know a lot of people who own a tv who can not use it because they do not have the money to purchase channels. The cost of computers is high - much higher then many low income families can afford, and free internet hookups are scarce. <BR/><BR/>Its not the publci that needs to decide that computers are so vital to life that the digital divide should not exist - its the politicans that need to decide, and thus make companies realize that computers and internet connections must be priced to be affordable for those with low incomes. <BR/><BR/>And then there is the technology barrier - anyone can pretty much sit down, push a button and be entertained by the tv. But not everyone has good eyesight to read a computer screen; nor have the hand eye coordination to use a mouse; nor have the visual capacity to sort through scrolling information; nor the concentration to be able to pcik out the right stuff from pop up ads! Using a computer requires use of certain skills (that are learned) and proactivness and concentration, which not everybody has, due to mental or physical problems.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com