Digital Unity and Digital Divide

Abstract This research study assessed the effects of an information technology initiative on under-graduates at a Western Pennsylvania college. A random sample of alumni from the classes of 1997, 1998, and 2000 were surveyed to gauge their attitudes about a technology program instituted in 1994, which provided laptop computers to all incoming freshman. The results indicated that not only was there a positive change in attitudes after the program was initiated, but digital divides based on sex and field of study were diminished during the students’ time on campus. Interestingly, parts of the divide reappear after graduation, by field of study.

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