Mark Warschauer

In Technology and Social Inclusion (2004), Mark Warschauer problemetizes the idea of the digital divide because it overemphasizes the physical availability of technology and creates an inaccurate, simplistic binary between haves and have-nots (6-7). Drawing on his own empirical research in a variety of settings, he describes the limits of models of access based on devices and conduits and proposes instead the model of literacy (31). The device and conduit models are limiting because they do show more not take into account how people need "to make use of that device and line to engage in meaningful social practices" (38). Literacy is a useful model because it promotes 1) physical artifacts, 2) relevant content, 3) development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes, and most importantly, 4) social action "that intersects with social structure, social organization, and social practices" (44-45). show less

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