Hi, everyone. I’m James “Eric” Tallent. My goal is to make entertaining and educational films.
The photo essay by Nicol Turner Lee, Closing the digital and economic divides in rural America (2020), addresses the digital and economic divides facing rural America. It discusses the importance of digital infrastructure and access to high-speed internet in rural communities, as well as the need for targeted policies and investments to support economic development and job creation in these areas. The report also highlights the challenges facing rural communities, such as limited access to capital and educational opportunities, and lack of broadband infrastructure. I like the format of this presentation and think it could be an interesting template to follow for this class.
The related podcast by Lee, Who’s left out by America’s digital divide? (2018), expands on the issue, particularly focusing on how the divide disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color. It discusses several issues that contribute to the digital divide, such as lack of affordable high-speed internet, inadequate technical skills and digital literacy, lack of access to digital devices, lack of cultural relevance in digital content and services, as well as lack of trust in technology. The case is made that bridging the digital divide is necessary to ensure that all Americans have equal access to the economic and social opportunities that digital technologies can provide. It also suggests policy recommendations to bridge the digital divide and the implementation of effective digital inclusion programs.
Educational filmmaking could be an effective way to address some of the issues related to the digital divide discussed in the articles. Here are a few ideas I’ve brainstormed so far:
Providing digital literacy education: Educational films can be used to teach people about various digital technologies, such as how to use the internet, how to navigate digital devices, and how to use different software programs. This can be especially helpful for people who may lack the technical skills needed to fully participate in the digital economy. More advanced participants could learn to use digital technologies through the hands-on process of creating digital stories.
Bridging the digital divide: Educational films can be used to help bridge the digital divide by providing digital education and training to people in low-income communities or other disadvantaged groups. This can be accomplished through partnerships between schools, community organizations, and digital media companies, and also through the distribution of digital educational content via the internet and mobile devices.
Building trust and promoting cultural relevance: Educational films can be used to build trust in technology and promote cultural relevance in digital content and services. Featuring diverse perspectives and cultural contexts in educational films can help promote understanding, trust, and participation in digital technologies among people from different backgrounds. People from diverse backgrounds should become aware that digital technologies are not reserved for others but are accessible to everyone. This is where the opportunity exists to make content that interests and excites members of underserved communities.
Advocating for policy solutions: Educational films can also be used to advocate for policy solutions that address the digital divide. Examples might include highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment, increasing affordability, and promoting digital literacy and skills development.
Promoting digital inclusion: Educational films can be used to promote digital inclusion by showcasing the benefits of technology for various groups and providing examples of how technology is being used to improve people’s lives. By raising awareness of the benefits of technology and the importance of digital inclusion, educational films can help build support for policies and programs that promote digital inclusion. Films can showcase how some celebrities achieved success using digital technologies. Young people especially seek to emulate their favorite celebrities as role models.
An example of an underserved community that could be the target of this particular idea might be inner-city black youth who aspire to escape poverty by playing football. Members of this demographic often come from low-income, disadvantaged communities with a history of poverty, discrimination, and lack of economic opportunities. These communities are often characterized by high rates of unemployment, low educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare and other services. For example, inner-city black youth are disproportionately likely to live in poverty, with poverty rates for black children in the U.S. being significantly higher than for white children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate for black children in 2019 was 22%, compared to 10% for white children. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020)
References:
Lee, N. T. (2020). Closing the digital and economic divides in rural America. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/longform/closing-the-digital-and-economic-divides-in-rural-america/
Lee, N. T. (2018). Who’s left out by America’s digital divide? Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings Institution. Retrieved from
https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/whos-left-out-by-americas-digital-divide/
U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2019. U.S. Government Printing Office.
