A Promising Opportunity: The Digital Divide

1 A Promising Opportunity: The Digital DivideRob Martoran...
Author: Dulcie Blankenship
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1 A Promising Opportunity: The Digital DivideRob Martorano

2 Introduction: Fast FactsAccording to the 2012 Pew Report “Digital Differences,” only 62% of people in households making less than $30,000 a year used the internet, while for those making $50,000-74,999 that percentage jumped to 90%. 56% of teachers in low income schools say that their students’ inadequate access to technology is a “major challenge” for using technology as a teaching aid. Mere access is not enough, instead we need instruction and guidance. Source:

3 Why is this Important? Technology enables adults to: Apply for Jobs.“94% of recruiters use or plan to use social media to find potential employees.” “50% of today’s jobs require technology skills, and this percentage is expected to grow to 77% in the next decade.” File Taxes. Get medical help. “21% of uninsured Americans do not use the Internet, making it impossible for them to use the online health exchanges.” “A Pew Internet Report revealed 59% of caregivers with internet access say that online resources have been helpful to their ability to provide care and support for the person in their care.” Stay in contact with relatives. Source:

4 Why is this Important? Technology enables students to:Learn about their interests. Receive homework help. “67% say the internet has a “major impact” on their ability to interact with parents and 57% say it has had such an impact on enabling their interaction with students.” Be creative. Technology enables those with disabilities: To do tasks before impossible (Help the Blind Read, Deaf Communicate) Source:

5 How I Became Involved in This Topic?Freshman year I participated in a program called Starting From Scratch: Duke student organization set out to help teach middle school students in the local community the basics of coding. (Scratch Graphical Programming Language- Developed by MIT) The program defined my freshman year in helping me to discover a problem space I was particularly interested in, Information Inequality. More specifically, the digital gap for children from lower socioeconomic levels. While I enjoyed the program, I realized multiple flaws in the system, I felt I was putting a band-aid on a larger problem.

6 More on My Experience Children needed a change in view, from the computer being a play device to a useful tool with great possibilities. Felt my time was not spent efficiently Helping children change background images on computer instead of teaching valuable skills. Children lacked basic computer skills. Never exposed to programmatic thinking. Had a very limited view of the power of a computer. Did not see all a computer could do for them. Computers seemed daunting to them. Scared to do the wrong thing.

7 My Semester Investigating Information InequalityThis semester, as a Project Lead in Design For America, I chose the incredibly broad topic of Information Inequality for my problem space. I have 4 other team members, but have been to every one of our research and user interviews and have done the actual interviewing. Nearly all of the research on the topic was done by me as well as I had to pitch the idea to our team in order for us to move forward focused on the space.

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9 The Journey Human Centered Design:Identify the Problem: Information Inequality Research/Reframe: Digital Gap affecting Children from Lower Socioeconomic Levels Ideation Prototyping Testing (Coming Soon)

10 Identify Information Inequality:The Digital Divide: An economic and social inequality with regard to access to, use of, or impact of information and communication technologies. After some initial research in the topic and interest decided to focus on children. As college students we can still relate to younger children and feel best equipped to help them. Interest working with children, and an easier user group to test with. Children are the future, if they are better educated the future is brighter. Less ingrained in an old way of thinking and easier to teach. Still have an excited spirit for learning. I set out with the inspiration of Google’s Project Loon (Balloons) and Facebook Internet.org as inspiration.

11 Interviews and ResearchInterviewed: 2 Google Engineers (Kevin and Dennis) from Google Fiber who are working to bring fast, affordable internet to the triangle area. Duke Prof. Kristen Stephens who specializes in education of Children. Cari DelMariani, Kramden Institute (More details later) Actually implemented my original idea in this problem space, really interesting. Kramden Institute business model was actually my initial idea in the topic until I saw it already existed.

12 Interview Insights On following slides:Highlighted key insights from each interview. Summarization of insights following individual insights. Image Source:

13 Kevin and Dennis, Google Engineers working on Fiber in DurhamDigital Gap 3 Major Components: Access to device in home. Access to network in home. Skills/training They are focusing on low cost internet for all. Trying to get students involved. Push in early education: Hard to promote “good” use of internet. Hard to show people the power and possibilities of the internet especially children.

14 Interview with Duke Prof. Kristen StephensMajor causes of Digital Divide: Geographical Isolation No internet access offered. Family’s Lack of Resources and Familiarity with Technology No parental experience with technology makes it harder for children learn how to use technology because no where to turn for help. Parents in PTAs Richer families have more time to raise money, lobby, and take action to get technology in schools for their children. Government trying to try to even this out, but complicated.

15 Continued… Most Durham Schools are 1:1. (One piece of technology per student) Many will not allow students to bring technology home with fear of it breaking/being lost/left at home. Virtual School Enables students to take classes online otherwise not available. Major Problem: Technology available, but many teachers not trained how to utilize it. Schools willing to spend money on tangible things like iPads but rarely spend the proper amount of money/time learning how to utilize the devices.

16 Continued… The Network Issue: The Gap is passed downLack of network access can limit types of solutions that can be created…BUT: Google Fiber and AT&T Installing Internet Access to Internet Levels playing field Also enables other solutions to be created if students have access to internet. The Gap is passed down By parents not having technology experience neither children nor their parents are aware of the possibilities of technology. Do not realize excellent career potential.

17 Kramden Institute: What They DoKramden institute looks to: “Provide Technology Tools and Training to Bridge the Digital Divide”. They refurbish donated old machines into computers that can be given out to “nominated” students at no cost: Students are nominated by teachers. Students must not have computer already. Desktops for younger children, Laptops for College Students. Sell the refurbished computers to non-profits at steeply discounted prices.

18 Kramden Institute InterviewCari DelMariani, Director of Programs Key Takeaways: “Homework Gap” Students without access to technology at home at extreme disadvantage when working on assignments. Solving device part of the problem by distributing devices, but struggling a key area: Training Try offering classes but understand hard to find transportation/time to come. Also struggle to train both children and parents on capabilities of technology: DO NOT UNDERSTAND POTENTIAL OF TECHNOLOGY! Technology often looked at as tool but never a career.

19 Key Insights Summary: Google Fiber and AT&T are taking care of providing internet: Requires too much man power/money for us to make an indent. Technology often available, but skills lacking: Training underfunded. Teachers often do not teach technology skills well. Never teach how things work. Technology as a tool never as a career. Lack inspiration Devices at risk of breaking

20 Solutions Already on the Market Dealing with the Digital GapTo Name a Few: Google’s Project Loon Looking to bring internet to all through loon balloons. Facebook’s Internet.org Looks to bring affordable access to internet by partnering with cell carriers in under developed areas. Kramden Institute: Described Earlier. Scratch Basic, introduction pseudo-programming language for children. (What we used in Starting from Scratch) Google For Education and Hour of Code Programs to instruct students on technology.

21 How the Market is Changing and What the Market is Still LackingMost solutions focus on hardware and infrastructure: Project Loon, Kramden Institute Google Education looks bring awareness, but is still growing. Market for education on technology itself quite ripe: Very few popular solutions look to help young children. Most solutions are a means to an end instead of a means of inspiration. Most solutions not personalized. Lack inspiration.

22 The Reoccurring Themes Leading into our Numerous How Can Wes(HCWS):Based on what was currently available in the market and our research we narrowed down to our “Core Four” HCWs: HCW entice parents to introduce technology to their children earlier? HCW educate children of future opportunities available in technology? (i.e. instead of “I want to be an astronaut” “I want to program for google”) HCW help teachers utilize classroom technology to better instruct students and educate them in technology use? HCW enable schools to allow students to allow children to bring technology home without the fear of it being lost/broken?

23 Opportunities Revolved Around Inspiring/Educating Children Special to MePersonally growing up I always loved computers and technology, but never knew how to turn my love of technology into a career. Was worried as a child when I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. People always called using a computer, “playing” on the computer. If I had realized the true power of coding I would have gotten into it earlier. Getting into coding can be daunting. It took till college to really fall in love with Computer Science. Often was intimidated.

24 Synthesis of Our Information/ResearchSticky notes of all insights, find ones similar, find reoccurring problems. Find root of problems. Clustering Importance Ratings Hard to read but shown on next page.

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26 Our Initial Ideation Ideas:Computer case to protect against drops and a corresponding app or bracelet so students will not lose their laptop. Pros: Could help end the “homework gap” by allowing technology at home. Cons: Extremely hard to implement. No guarantee schools would approve. Would be expensive. Used strategies like DFA Triangle: Placing Ideas as Daring, Feasible, and Applicable. Used sticky notes and rapid ideation coming up will all ideas we could think of.

27 Our Initial Ideation Chrome extension that will have you write a line of code, learn a little each day when trying to access social networks and other “play” sites. Pros: Very practical to implement. Could get to market quickly. Cons: Hard to get word out. Hard to get people to actually commit to using it.

28 Our Initial Ideation A website that teaches you how your favorite websites work, pulling back the curtain. Pros: Could be fascinating to use. Could reach large number of students. Cons: Hard to simplify complex things like Google Search. Companies may not be on board. Not sure if it hits the root of problem.

29 Our Initial Ideation Game that, to play, requires coding and thinking like a programmer. Competitive spirit and rewards will motivate kids. Ideas: Multiplayer laser tag, done through code that manipulates the Graphical Interface. Open world, the more you code, the more you can do with it after starting from an initial tutorial, then can go back and edit character’s capabilities. Pros: Could be an incredibly productive way for children to have fun. If done right, would be very educational as well. Cons: Extremely hard to implement. Hard to balance fun with education.

30 Our Initial Ideation “Cooking with Code”: Breaking down complex tasks into recipes, loops, etc. to teach kids how to think. A physical representation of programming. Pros: Could help younger children get an earlier start. Cons: Basic idea has been done before. Has yet to catch on.

31 Further Ideation… Were fond of many ideas, but after reading “Make the Impossible Possible”, by Bill Strickland held second ideation session. We focused on our initial, “HCW educate children of future opportunities available in technology?” but changed educate children of future to INSPIRE CHILDREN ABOUT. Bill Strickland used art to inspire those in inner-city Pittsburg. Focus on showing children the possibilities through technology: How they CAN achieve their dreams! Technology can bring them a better life (Jobs). Technology can also help them express themselves (Art).

32 The Latest Idea Inspire students and help them realize their full potential while simultaneously exposing them to the potential of technology. Merge Art with Technology. STEM and Art do not have to be separate. Become storytellers through technology. Bring Pen and Paper to Life: Young children can draw on some sort of medium and watch their drawings come to life through technology. As they get older, they begin to add the animations to the drawings through basic coding. More magic while younger, begin to understand as you age.

33 The Latest Idea Pros: Cons:Inspiration through technology is untapped. Learn as well. Could inspire higher early retention rates in technology. Could be especially helpful for minorities in technology. Help ease children into technology. Anyone can do it! Could catch on as a fun activity. Cons: The technology behind the idea is rather complex. Success highly based off implementation. Hard to explain.

34 How to Bring this Idea to FruitionPlan 1: Pair college students studying Computer Science to young children in the local community. Children draw pictures and stories. Meet with college students to bring the story to life through technology and coding. Children inspired by both a personal connection as well as what they make. Role models help inspire careers: Help 10 year-olds dream of being a programmer. Unlike being a doctor where you need Med School, 10 year-olds can begin coding now! As you get older, you begin to work on bringing younger children’s stories to life as practice. Unlike starting from Scratch where we watched children “play”, here children are working toward an objective.

35 How to Bring this Idea to FruitionPlan 2: iPad software that allows you to draw and then animate your drawings, as you progress less is automated and more is done through code. Also educates on opportunities in technology.

36 How to Bring this Idea to FruitionPlan 3: Merge the idea of storytelling with Physical “Cooking with Code”. Draw in characters on iPad then bring it to life through physical blocks representing the characters and movements. By structuring the blocks in a programmatic way the drawings will “come to life”. (Blocks have programmatic presets) For younger children blocks use Motion Sensing to move the characters as the blocks move. For older children they can actually code what the blocks will do. Create a video story as product. FAVORITE IDEA

37 Prototype User draws anything on the screen.Animates it through blocks (animations appear on screen): Three Levels: Simple motion sensing to move things on screen. (Young Children) Pre-programmed dynamic blocks to be placed in programmatic order. (Middle Level)(SHOWN ON FOLLOWING SLIDES) Blocks programmed by user. (Older Children) Blocks have dynamic screens and are paired to objects wirelessly through iPad Screen. Very crude so far, will be building next semester.

38 Prototype Here the arm is selected which you will attach to block. That block will show arm.

39 Prototype Physical space.

40 Prototype Blocks have dynamic screens and can change values…Attach things on screen to blocks in this case arms: For loop: goes through each arm and raises it as shown in progression on first screen.

41 The Current Goal Inspire Children.Help them learn about Computer Science and expose them to a programmatic thinking mindset. Help them tell their story and express themselves. Help them see the great possibilities that they can achieve. Slowly teach them more and more to help ease them into coding. Huge problem is students getting discouraged. Lower income levels showed to be discouraged more easily that they cannot succeed. Students realize own potential while simultaneously understanding power of technology.

42 Partnerships And Future PlansLooking to Partner with Google Education. Current in talks with people in department. (Interning there over the summer.) Looking to speak with representative in Girls Who Code. Art aspect could help inspire girls that they can succeed in Computer Science as well. Create and test prototype next semester in Durham local schools. Further iterate and find bugs/pain-points Prove it as viable model.

43 Measures of Success Students must be engaged.Students must demonstrate change in mindset. Students hopefully will be more engaged in all of school. Students hopefully will be more interested in Computer Science. Students will hopefully realize their own full potential.