Chapter 6: Deconstructing the Digital Divide in Research: Moving From a View of the Poor as “Other” to the Poor as “Us”

While the digital divide metaphor is useful in identifying groups lacking access to technology, this approach does not adequately contextualize the experience of “have-nots” as they attempt to integrate technology into their lives. This chapter describes the experience of participants taking part in a computer distribution and training program designed to address the digital divide. This study used a situated approach to explore how participants used computer and Internet technology when given the chance and the real barriers that they experienced in trying to adopt new literacy practices.