Teresa Griffin - Media Arts and the Digital Divide
Part of the Shift in Digital Arts bonus panel
Dr. Griffin comes from a small liberal arts school (Wesley College) that can’t place a lot of emphasis on tech since the school can’t really afford it.
In response to the affordability issue of the digital divide, computers were placed in public spaces like schools and libraries.
Second part of digital divide - basic ability to use technology isn’t there. Again, this is economically related. So when these kids arrive to school, they’re already behind.
The first element of the divide is considered closed.
Using software increases familiarity with computers which then leads to great levels of analytical and critical thinking. The entire Wesley College has 10 iMacs with plenty of software. The lab is always open IF there are no classes meeting there (however, since it’s the only Mac lab, there are a lot of classes in there).
Dr. Griffin polled her students and found that 38% thought they need to own the software to succeed. These students were the ones that were NOT able to afford it.
Dr. Griffin tries to give her students options. Freeware via download.com. Dr. Griffin finds good software for her students and have come up with cheap/free alternatives to Pro Tools, Final Cut, and the Adobe Creative Suite.