Human-computer interaction closes the digital divide: a multicultural, intergenerational ICT case study

Ethnic and racial tensions are aggravated by social inequities. The media unwittingly feeds this dilema. Look at how often we are directed to the internet for further information. While exploring the internet may be easier for some computer users, others demonstrate a complete avoidance for this type of knowledge exchange. Misunderstandings that occur between cultural communities may be exacerbated by the digital divide through lack of access, for whatever reason, causing a meaningful gap in cultural differences, and henceforth leading to serious communication breakdowns. This paper argues for more research on measuring the effectiveness of increased opportunities for Web-mediated cross-cultural/intergenerational knowledge sharing that is designed to overcome the ever widening digital divide.

[1]  Roxana Moreno.  Contributions to learning in an agent-based multimedia environment: a methods-media distinction , 2001, Proceedings IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies.

[2]  Steven H. White,et al.  The effectiveness of a computer program in helping kindergarten students learn the concepts of left and right , 1998 .

[3]  Jacob Cohen.  Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences , 1969, The SAGE Encyclopedia of Research Design.

[4]  Elspeth McKay,et al.  Cognitive Skill Acquisition Through a Meta-Knowledge Processing Model , 2002, Interact. Learn. Environ..

[5]  Gottfried Vossen,et al.  Towards E-Learning Grids: Using Grid Computing in Electronic Learning , 2003 .

[6]  R. Riding,et al.  Cognitive Styles—an overview and integration , 1991 .

[7]  John Harris,et al.  Time To Make Up Your Mind: Why Choosing Is Difficult. , 2003 .

[8]  T. Pica.  Research on Negotiation: What Does It Reveal about Second-Language Learning Conditions, Processes, and Outcomes?. , 1994 .

[9]  Jason Sternberg.  Generating X: Lifestyle Panics and the New Generation Gap , 1997 .

[10]  W. Buxton.  Human-Computer Interaction , 1988, Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

[11]  Lynette Schaverien.  Towards research based designing for understanding fundamental concepts: The case of the web delivered generative virtual classroom for teacher education , 2000 .

[12]  Siek-Toon Khoo,et al.  Quest: The Interactive Test Analysis System. , 1993 .

[13]  D. Cecez-Kecmanovic,et al.  Towards a communicative model of collaborative web-mediated learning , 2000 .

[14]  M. Swain.  The output hypothesis : Just speaking and writing aren't enough , 1993 .

[15]  Rod Sims,et al.  An interactive conundrum: Constructs of interactivity and learning theory , 2000 .

[16]  Ben Shneiderman,et al.  Engagement Theory: A Framework for Technology-Based Teaching and Learning. , 1998 .

[17]  Masaru Kitsuregawa,et al.  WEB Community Mining and WEB Log Mining: Commodity Cluster Based Execution , 2002, Australasian Database Conference.

[18]  Ray Bareiss,et al.  Sickle Cell Counselor: A Prototype Goal-Based Scenario for Instruction in a Museum Environment , 1994 .

[19]  Yuichi Yamamoto,et al.  Creating cross-cultural learning communities on the Internet and the Japan Gigabit Network - integration of media tools into collaborative learning , 2002, International Conference on Computers in Education, 2002. Proceedings..

[20]  Jane Kolodinsky,et al.  Bridging the Generation Gap across the Digital Divide: Teens Teaching Internet Skills to Senior Citizens , 2002 .

[21]  R. Schank.  Tell Me a Story: A New Look at Real and Artificial Memory , 1991 .