Describes the digital divide, the technology gap between the people who have technology (information haves) and those without technology (information have-nots). Discusses that the first digital divide is access to technology; and addresses the second digital divide, computer use, focusing on computers at school and at home. (CMK)

Discusses the importance of how the divide in access is approached and the problems in addressing both digital divides (access and computer use). Argues that sociologists of education have an important role to play in this issue and describes that role. Includes references. (CMK)

The Science Assessment and Research Project conducted an assessment of the opportunities for computer learning in the nation's schools. As part of this study, 15,847 junior and senior high school students (13 and 17 years old) responded to a questionnaire regarding computers and computer usage. This is a summary of the findings: Opportunities for…

With increasing use of computers in education and in the larger society, it is important that minorities (including Blacks and Hispanics), the disadvantaged, and females, acquire computer literacy to be able to get into the mainstream, compete with the more advantaged, and function in an increasingly complex world. (Author/MJL)