Orange Mound Collaborative

Free Computer Internet Center

Oct 09, 2000

The Orange Mound Collaborative hopes to bring Orange Mound residents closer to technology and the Internet by offering residents free access to the Internet at the Orange Mound Computer Center. Residents will be able to use the Internet for free and have the opportunity to use Microsoft programs on the computers.

The free usage of the computer lab will be available on Tuesdays from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. beginning October 3, 2000. You must register in advance for a time slot. To reserve a time, call Tanisha Farmer at the Orange Mound Collaborative at 324-2078.

In the 21st Century, some say computer literacy will be as important as basic literacy (reading) was in the 20th century. Others compare the necessity of a computer in the 21st century to the telephone and the automobile in the previous century.

In his 1997 State of the Union Address, President Clinton said, "We've only begun to spread the benefits of a technology revolution that should become the modern birthright of every citizen. As the Internet becomes our new town square, a computer in every home - a teacher in all subjects, a connection to all cultures - this will no longer be a dream but a necessity."

The goal that President Clinton talks about is far from being realized. In fact, as technology has grown so has the Digital Divide. Two groups comprise the Digital Divide - the technology haves and the technology have-nots. Those in the have-not category tend to be the residents (youth and adults) of poorer communities.

When the Project 2000 Center at Vanderbilt University conducted a study of computer usage and ownership, the study concluded that household income directly correlates to home computer ownership.

Increasing levels of income correspond to an increased likelihood of owning a home computer, regardless of race. Studies have shown that economics/income is the main factor contributing to this division.

While 73% of white students own a home computer, only 32.9% of African-American students own one. Studies reveal that those without computer access tend to be less technologically adept because they have limited access to computers at school, home and work. Lack of access to technology puts students at a further disadvantage when they go on to post secondary education.