In February a summit was hosted by The National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, The Asian American Justice Center, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (Broadband Opportunity Coalition - BBOC); this group had the common goal of tackling a huge problem - eradicating broadband access barriers. Created from the melding of these dedicated minds was a report which was released Monday outlining how responsibly crafted broadband policies can “advance the interests and needs of communities of color”.

The BBOC recognized how aligned their objectives were with the Obama administration and purposed themselves with creating policy recommendations for Obama’s broadband adoption policy–a policy that Obama sites as being a major part of his economic recovery plan. For this plan, the administration has set aside a little money for the diffusion and adoption of broadband - about $7.2 billion and though it seems like a large sum of money to me and you, this coalition believes that it should just be viewed a starting point.

The BBOC seeks to assist the Obama administration narrow the focus of their broadband policy by recommending they address those issues which, current research shows, are truly barriers to the efforts of broadband adoption, issues like:

• “lack of understanding of the benefits of broadband
• lack of technical knowledge and training (”digital literacy”)
• shortage of relevant content
• language barriers
• privacy concerns”

The general consensus of this coalition is that these barriers can only be brought down with a change in the perception of the importance of broadband technology. Simply put, habits of the mind must be changed in such a way that broadband technology is no longer viewed as a luxury only a few can afford but instead a necessity that all can afford.

A communications provider in the UK, Virgin Media, is in the proces of testing out a cable system that’s 51 times faster than the average broadband speed in the United States. Using the next-generation cable data technology known as DOCSYS 3.0, this little hotshot can bring down 200 Mb per second Internet, video at “full HD” 1080p, and even 3D movies.

It’s a pilot project that will be underway for the next six months, now being tested by 100 early-adopting customers in the UK. Even though this kind of speed is not available to consumers yet, this gives you a good look at the true capabilities of DOCSYS 3.0, the next generation of consumer broadband service, which, for example, is already available to 30% of the Comcast network.

Consider that the average broadband download speed in the United States is 3.9 Mb per second, and that 200 Mb per second number will show you how far behind the rest of the world we are falling in a technology we created.

In times of a historic recession and with our fellow countrymen losing their jobs and homes each and everyday, we can not afford to be left behind especially considering the world is becoming a global marketplace.  If we are competing with the rest of the world shouldn’t we at least be on the same playing field?

What do you think?

 “e-learning”. What does “e-learning” mean? I looked it up in Google and found over 20 definitions for it; the one I like the best defines e-learning as:

The delivery of content via all electronic media, including the internet, intranets, extranets, satellite, broadcast, video, interactive TV, and CD Rom. E-learning encompasses all learning undertaken, whether formal or informal, through electronic delivery. …

waveproject.com

As with most things these days education has developed an online counter part.  All through out cyberspace more and more e-learning resources are popping up. One of the more successful educational e-sources online today is “Thinkfinity.org”. Thinkfinity is an association of 10 organizations dedicated to providing quality online content that assists with both educational learning and professional development for students, teachers and parents alike. 

The applications found on Thinkfinity.org are actually really cool. Students can pick from four different categories when accessing these e-sources.

The apps. range from programs that walk you through the correct way to write a letter; to programs that let you compare the proportionate size of planets; to one that even walks you through building mechanical contraptions. These guys could trick the most stubborn student into learning because all the programs are actually fun.

As I mentioned earlier, students aren’t the only ones benefiting from the e-sources provided by Thinkfinity; teachers have a multitude of resources to enhance their professional development as well.  Educators have access to all the same apps as the students plus extras that allow them to, not replace, but supplement their day to day curriculum.   Links to sites like America on the Move  chronicle how “transportation transformed America” and Beyond the Classroom  is a site that guides educators through resources that can be used to help children and teens become more interested in reading.

Last but not least, the parents; parents get tools too.  Parents can take advantage of resources like A Family’s Guide.  A Family Guide shows parents how to encourage healthy attitudes about math (something I needed growing up). Alphabet for Parents is another link for parents found on Thinkfinity; this site offers suggestions, in A-B-C order, to help encourage interest and involvement in reading and writing.

I think Thinkfinity is an educational and informative one-stop-shop for students, teacher and parents.  Their platform provides material that is creative, fun and interactive. If properly used by all parties, I believe that it can make learning more fun; teaching easier and parenting more rewarding.

Hey y’all.  It’s been awhile since we last talked. Well, I’m doin ok.  I hope y’all are all living blessed. Have you decided who you’re voting for yet?  What about that Sarah Palin?  Who’s going to win?  All these question and more like them can be discussed on another blog; as for us, we are going to talk more about Mr. McCain’s proposed way of doing technology for America, if he becomes “the man.”
 
To start off, Mr. McCain believes that in order to get America at the forefront of the technological revolution, we need to invest in programs that will encourage more students to participate in the math, science and technology fields.  According to Mr. McCain, less than 20% of students in the US obtain degrees in the maths and sciences (that because it’s hard). Mr. McCain went further to say that the number of students pursuing computer science degrees has fallen by over 50% in less than a decade.  He believes that by introducing programs like the “America Competes Act” we will be able to move these numbers in a positive direction again.  Mr. McCain also is aware that there is a digital divide between Americans with access to broadband and information communication technologies and those without, and he has attempted to address the issue by providing grants for digital and wireless technologies instruction to minorities and those in the lower income brackets.
 
Due to the fact that participation in the abovementioned areas is dwindling, we are coming up with a shortage of skilled tech workers.  Mr. McCain believes he can address this issue by leveraging our technologically skilled workforce by increasing the number of H-1B visas granted to foreign workers, who are oftentimes educated in the United States, and encouraging those workers to stay here in the States to benefit our national productivity.My three cents.
 
All this is good and I really have nothing bad to say, just a suggestion.  Mr. McCain’s camp has made it a point to make it known that he has supported efforts in the past, on behalf of minorities, to shrink the digital divide by providing the grants mentioned above. I think that Mr. McCain could be even more effective in reducing the digital divide by providing grants and scholarships to those same individuals interested in taking advantage of digital instruction by funding their education at traditional colleges and other post secondary schools. If these same people realize that America will help them learn new skills, and will assist them in getting a degree and earning a living, they will more likely to pursue careers in math, science and technology-related professions, thereby increasing the pool of qualified minorities in the market.

In the immortal words of Michael Buffer… LET’S GEADY READY TO RUMBLE!!!

So a while back I posted an entry about the T Mobile/Google Dream and their attempt to take AT&T/Apple down a notch or two.  Well boys and girls the day is quickly approaching for the first of many epic battles to come.

That’s right, all the rumors can be put to rest, the dream is a reality.  The combination of T Mobile’s network and brand new 3G technology with Google’s near godliness in the realm of computers has brought us (drum role please) the G1.  Check this out! The T Mobile G1

Impressive yes, iPhone hysteria worthy, we’ll see.

Personally, I can’t wait to find out.  But really, does it matter to us?  I mean obviously T Mobile and Google have put a lot of R&D as well as green into this, but anytime something like this is introduced to the us, the comsumers, it is a win.

Bringing 3G, near or actual broadband speed internet service to us anywhere there is a cell phone signal is an amazing tool.  We can work from the road, connect with family, stay up-to-date on the latest news, election coverage, and oh yeah… talk on it too I guess.  Could you have “dreamed” of this just 5 years ago?  Get it, it was initially called the Dream and I said could you have “dreamed”… anyway.

Now you look at Blackberry, the much more serious and can we say boring PC’ish type if you follow the Apple ads, of the do everything wireless phones.  They are now introducing a touchscreen model very much like the iPhone and G1.  The first time I saw their commercial showcasing the new phone the world suddenly became very clear to me… it really is true, everybody does want to be Apple.  Just kidding.

The point is we have just come that much closer to the rest of the world and we’re getting there quickly through high speed, universal, broadband access.

Now excuse me as I preorder my G1.

Until next time…

Hey everybody; it’s me again.  I am here to make another contribution to the independent thought forum that is “ITEmpowersU.com”. I think yall remember me saying that I wanted to discuss the various tech stances that the candidates want to institute.  In my last post I discussed a bit of the direction that Mr. McCain wanted to move America in – I liked it - minus the big emphasis on globalization. 

So what does Obama say about the direction he will take America in with Technology?  Well, Obama has five pillars to his tech policy; over the next few days I am going to post about the three I am most interested in:

• Create a transparent and connected democracy.
• Encourage a modern communications infrastructure.
• Employ technology to solve our nation’s most pressing problems.

Today we are going to talk about his intentions to create a transparent and connected democracy.  Barack says that we should “open up the government to our citizens” to make it more transparent.  Barack believes that the marriage between government and special interest groups have impeded progress in America by shifting access to privileged information, which should be available to the public, to certain groups who have benefited from policies created for their corporate gain.  Barack wants us to have access to much of the same information as special interest groups so that we can be empowered to make positive changes in our communities.

Another way that Barack will create transparency is through e-sources like Websites and blog.  Barack wants to provide the common citizen access to knowledge on the sometimes secret deals that occur in Washington.  Under Barack the public will have access to information about   grants, contracts, earmarks and other transactions that otherwise would not be available to it.

My three cents

I like his idea to create more transparency. I think that openness can foster honesty,  but is it possible to be too transparent .  In my personal opinion, I don’t think all information should be for all people.  I do think that the government can do it’s shady dealings but I do know that what one uneducated citizen might see as a shady dealing today might actually provide jobs for a community some years down the road.  If left to the well intentioned, whistle blowing citizen those jobs might never be created.  Sometimes things done under conver can end up for the common good – buuuuuut usually not – I’m playing devil’s advocate.  Let me know what yall think.

In a world where technology becomes obsolete the minute it is released should it be any surprise when the latest and greatest becomes a thing of the past?  No… however should it be a surprise when the biggest threat comes from a newcomer?  Maybe, but when that newcomer is one of the largest corporation’s in the world with a proven record of success I would have to say once again, no.

Last Monday the FCC approved Google… yes the same Google that has taken over the internet, in their effort to take over the wireless communications industry by introducing their Android operating system.

“There are twice as many phones as there are Internet users in the world.  This platform is a means of correcting this,” said Google’s Andy Rubin, who led the Open Handset Alliance initiative.

So not only is Google planning to bring an inexpensive smart phone to the market, but with full internet capability, a “planned iPhone killer” as reported by Engadget.

Other than using Google’s open-source platform nothing much is known for sure.  It will be built by HTC and is described as thin, about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long.  Unlike the iPhone, the screen is also touch sensitive: hold down your finger longer and the area you’re controlling expands.  The screen also swivels to one side revealing a full keyboard beneath.

It is speculated that it will use T-Mobile’s 3G network and Wi-Fi while fully supporting Google’s Gmail.  Venture Beat says, “FCC documentation makes it clear that the most exciting things about the phone may remain confidential until as late as Nov. 10.”

Why November 10 you ask?  Well that could be the day that this “Dream” becomes a reality and Google makes like George Washington, ready to chop down an Apple tree.

More details to come…

A possible design for the Dream (aka gPhone)

Hey ed- body.  Back once again – it’s the INCREDIBLE “D”.   Naaw, for real.  How are ya’ll doin.  I’m well; I am well.  For the next few days I am going to make an effort to discuss the different technological ideologies of the running candidates.  Keep in mind that I have a counterpart that will be doing his own things on various Tech issues but mine, at least for a bit, will be on the technology stances touted by our two completely different candidates. As I have mentioned in the past; I won’t discuss who I am voting for but I will call a spade a spade.  If I think the idea is great, I will say so; if the idea is not so great I will make fun of it but isn’t that one of the beauties of a blog; you can take the political correctness right outta the politics.

Let’s start with McCain, today and his Technology stance.  Like President Bush, Mr. McCain believes heavily in a global market place. He says that “markets work best when there is robust competition” and believes that, as with other goods, the economy of technology should be consumer driven with minimal government regulation.  Mr. McCain (I feel like I have to call him “Mr. McCain” because he’s so old – sorry) justifies his stance by saying that “any new device will cost less because of more competition” consequently, the larger the competing arena the lower the price will be.

What about his ideas on the internet?  Well Mr. McCain believes that all individuals should have access to high-speed internet and the educational and economic opportunities provided by it, so as president he says he will encourage private companies to invest in the infrastructure that will help make this belief a reality.  I think that even Mr. McCain knows that private industry can and does fail at times (as all man made things tend to do) which is why he states that in the case where private industry can not meet the demands or needs of a market, local government can step in to help create infrastructure that will.

My three cents

So what do you think?  Personally – for the most part; I like this part of the plan but I am torn between the whole “Global Competition”.  On one hand GC will allow for lower prices and quicker technological advancement but at what cost - there is always a cost.  Will it be at the price of quality or jobs?  I think that those are valid questions when you take into consideration the problems we have been having with goods from other countries not to mention rising unemployment levels.  In January national unemployment levels were around 4.7% NOW they hover around 5.5%.  I can’t help but wonder if a little less globalization and a little more domestic investment in jobs might help us all out a little more in the long run. But I’m not an economist, just an opinion head and that’s my opinion.

I do like his ideas on the internet.  I am all for doing whatever it takes to make this technology available to all.  I like his contingency supplement; the idea that encourages local government to step in when private industry fails or when they (private industry)  think that they have picked all the low hanging fruit.  I think that it will take a balanced and concerted effort from both sides to make this goal a reality and again, I am all for an effort that can bring this dream to fruition.

Hey everybody.  It’s me again, Demetrus.  Today’s topic is “virtual schools”.  This one fascinates me.  The technology behind it is all cool and everything but look at the effect this could have on narrowing the digital divide.  

What do you guys think about this?

Here in Florida we have a virtual school program called “Florida Virtual Schools”.  Since its inception there have been numerous programs popping up nation wide.  So why aren’t we hearing a lot about it. We hear a lot about vouchers, magnet schools, no child left behind and other options developed to give our children the best educational opportunities possible but we hear very little about this new viable option that is proving succesful here in Florida.   

This program was started back in 1997 for the purpose of providing the same level of education to students in rural and high-minority districts as other districts.   Last year 60 percent of the students from this program were minorities.  

So what do the candidates say about these programs? 

Barak doesn’t believe in it; in fact, he referred to most online schooling programs as “for-profit” organizations that would squander the money of tax payers. McCain says he will allocate $750 million to building both public and charter virtual schools.  Now, I won’t go into my political ideology but I will tell you that I am big on education and on providing diverse options for quality education.   This option is not one for all but it is one for those who can learn better at their own pace.  

In my personal opinion this option can do more for shrinking the digital divide than any of the other more traditional options so I am all for it.

 Good question, huh. Readership is dwindling and last year this time, circulation had already fallen by three percent.  Could the companies   have done a better job marketing; provided more juicy content or maybe had more “generationally relevant” content.  Naaaw, I don’t think any of that stuff could have worked.  There are just too many factors against ink on paper today.  These days who really wants to hear an unbiased opinion – really??? I mean, as much as we like to think we are all intellectual types I think what is more important to most of us is that we feel like we are right in our views.  New media like blogs and podcasts allow us to get news from the perspective of people who think the way we do, this makes us feel more connected, and consequently all content becomes relevant content when it is written by someone who thinks like we do.

Ok, ok, ok.  So you are the preeminent intellectual type who wants that “fair and balanced” joint. Whatever.  You’re still contributing.  I was reading something the other day that said that in 2007 only 33.9 % of 18-24 year olds were reading the paper and 33.7 % of 25-34 are.  Many of you that chose to follow the news are going to other avenues – the Internet.  Though you might like “fair and balanced”, I am sure you have a preference as to how it is delivered to you.  Like most I am sure that your preference leans towards the streaming audio/ visual content you can get from a good connection and the convenience click and/ or scroll options used to move to the next headline instead of turning the page. Dial up never got the chance to do to the newspaper what high-speed is doing with extreme prejudice.

So, then, what becomes the saving grace for the newspapers?  Well they couldn’t beat em so they are joined them.  The top 40 newspapers in America are all starting to add broadband video to their sites.  Most major newspapers now have an online counter part.  I believe that all this is the result of a generational shift to all things that are net and the markets attempts to respond accordingly.

……And we are saving treesJ