• Definition of the "Digital Divide"

Our class believes that unfairness exists. Rich schools have more access to better computers. Only one student is currently able to use the Internet for research in any of her classes. Many classes have no working computers or printers. There is only one class with any digital/video equipment. There is also limited access to CD-ROMs to enhance learning.

• Three Ideas for Change

One suggestion to help provide better access to technology is for corporations to get involved. A corporation can promote itself by providing a school with the latest technology and some of its employees can help to train the instructors in its use.

Another suggestion is that much of the resources allocated to a school are wasted on meaningless projects that go nowhere. It seems that the student body are the last to benefit from any extra funds. The money should be spent on students first.

The third suggestion is that the state government set a standard for technology and force all schools to comply. Poorer districts would receive special state funds for this purpose and this purpose only.

• Questions for the panel:

1. Why is UCLA holding this event?

2. How can you help public schools with no Internet access? (How long will it take?)

3. Why do some schools have better technology than others?