Is the Digital Divide Such a Bad Thing?

“Is the Digital Divide Such a Bad Thing?” and “Children With Home Computers Likely to Have Lower Test Scores” are companion articles. Duke University has recently released a new study of 150,000 children that shows when lower income students are given computer and Internet access at home prior to the fifth grade; their math and reading scores actually went down a bit. Because of the amount of children included in the study, the findings seem worth taking note. The research was conducted prior to 2005.
People in poverty do not have the typical access to the Internet that many Americans enjoy. The digital divide has vast repercussions for adults. Most job applications are now online and some government services are requiring an online element. If technology and access leave a complete segment of our population behind, then society as a whole suffers. The costs of technological illiteracy can affect our job market leaving a lack of needed skill sets which in turn effects our economy.
Before any action is taken we need to have more studies with a broader scope. Is the dip in math and reading scores sustained through high school? Now that Facebook and Twitter are so ubiquitous has that changed online literacy habits? Do we need to get children access before 5th grade? It is true some children do not have the support or educational assistance at home. As each generation emerges into adulthood computer literacy should get stronger and stronger.
Children through teens use the Internet differently than adults. The entertainment and the social factor are important to today’s youth. Being connected online is more than a status symbol; it is taken for granted as a necessity. As a society we want tomorrow’s adults to be comfortable with using technology and be proficient in their usage. The digital divide is real with real implications. Let’s do some more research before we stop handing out computers to our youth.

Swaminathan, N. (2010, June 21). Is the "Digital Divide" Such a Bad Thing? [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://www.good.is/post/is-the-digital-divide-such-a-bad-thing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+good%2Flbvp+(GOOD+Main+RSS+Feed).

Sahara Special

Sahara Special
Codell, Esme Raji
0786807938

Esme Raji Codell writes like she remembers middle school with vivid clarity. She captures the angst, insecurity and thoughts of Sahara Jones with impeccable honesty and authenticity. Sahara Jones is a fifth grader in Chicago living with her mother. Her father left when she was in third grade and the effects are still reverberating through her life. Although an avid reader and writer, Sahara doesn’t perform at school, she is constantly missing assignments and generally just lazy. A placement in special education earns her the nickname, Sahara Special. And, unexpected turn of events leave Sahara repeating the fifth grade further lowering her self esteem.
The author, being a former teacher, knows the impact one teacher can make in a student’s life. Miss Pointy is just such a teacher. Through her tough love and unconventional methods the entire 5th grade class makes great gains developmentally and academically. Through the interaction with Miss Pointy, Sahara learns to trust herself and have confidence in who she is and what she wants to do.
Middle school readers will be able to identify with the feelings and lack of self confidence that plagues
Sahara. They will also learn that personal growth is difficult, but completely worth it.

Betwixt and Between

Faris, C. (2009). Betwixt and Between. Children & Libraries, 7(1), 43-45.

Tweens are quickly becoming a boon for advertisers, spending as much as 10 billion annually. This article discusses how tweens are an undeserved group in some areas such as publishing and libraries, certainly not with advertisers. The discussion of exactly what age group is a tween is a tricky one. It seems no one can agree and rightfully so. This age group is diverse and complex emotionally and physically, a one size fits all mentality will not work.

Libraries are woefully unprepared for this segment of our population. Without understanding a tween, how can relevant programming be a reality? In the public library where I work we had some very disruptive tweens using the library in the winter, specifically, the Internet. They would yell, run, curse and act like they were on the play ground. After rounding them up and kicking them out for a week, things have settled down, but unfortunately now staff looks with a wary eye when many of the tween boys come in. The author is correct when she states that more best practices and training are needed.

Maybe we need to take a page from the advertisers who are so successful in getting tweens to spend money. The advertisers invest time and resources taking surveys and testing products. The library already has the product, we just need to make the connection with the tween. A partnership with the local public or private school is a great place to start. Offer a book club, or some sort of after school programming. Needs and interests will differ among groups, but as librarians we need to get out from behind our desks and go to where the tweens are.

Hitler's Canary

Hitler's Canary

Toksvig, Sandra

1596432470

Many books have been written about World War II involving the Nazi’s and the Jews. Sandi Toksvig’s novel, Hitler’s Canary adds a new, compelling voice to the genre. Bamse Skovlund is ten years old when the Nazi’s invade Denmark. The invasion is more of a quiet changing of the guard, there is no battle, no blood, and virtually no resistance. Bamse and most of his family become accustom to German soldiers in their native Copenhagen, believing like the rest of Denmark, that if they cooperate the Nazis will treat them fairly and not bother the Jews. Spanning the years from 1940 to1943 Bamse’s growth as a character is evident. At the onset of the occupation Bamse was hopeful that at least school would be cancelled or a few days missed. By the end of the novel, Bamse has learned what real fear is and is doing his part to fight the occupation.

The author paints the story with bits of humor that make the characters human and real. The humor helps to relive the burden of the character and the conscience of the reader. Adding to the uniqueness of the story, it is not divided by chapters, but by Acts and Scenes. This is because the Skovlunds are theater people earning their living working on or around the stage.

Kids who have read Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy, or Number the Stars by Lois Lowry will find this book interesting and informative, filling out a more complete picture of the war in Europe.

The Magician

The Magician
Scott, Michael
9780385733588

The exciting sequel to the Alchemyst doesn't disappoint. Sophie and Josh are now part of the magical world, but still unaware of the extent of their power. The city of Paris will never the be same and neither will the twins.

The Alchemyst

The Alchemyst
Scott, Michael
9780385733571

Sophie and Josh Newman are normal fifteen year old twins until they witness a magical event that draws them into circumstances they never could have imagined. On the run, confused and scared the twins must trust an immortal, Nicholas Flamel and an Elder, Scathach who claim to know how to protect them. Flamel is convinced the twins are part of a great prophecy that will either save or destroy the world.

Sea of the Dead

Sea of the Dead
Durango, Julia
9781416957782

Knowing where you fit in and what is expected of you can be hard, but comforting. Temoc's world is turned upside down when he is kidnapped by the kingdom's sworn enemy, the Fallen King and his men. These strange men are not the savages he was taught. Temoc finds friendship and respect. Who is the real enemy, the Fallen King or Temoc's father the prince?