摘要
对数字鸿沟出现的关注,不仅仅是由于道德方面的原因,更重要的是它对社会各方面的影响。在本文中,作者分析了以下问题:一、我们是否有可能通过适当地应用信息技术,创造一个更加公正、公平的全球社会?二、信息技术是否可能进一步扩大这种鸿沟?三、我们是应该固守在原有的无效的策略层面,还是站在更高层面从现有的技术中寻求解决数字鸿沟的方法?关于数字鸿沟的统计数字告诉我们,数字鸿沟与传统意义上的贫富差距有密切关系。认识这个问题的关键是理解贫穷对扩大数字鸿沟的巨大作用。葛利教授认为,如果我们确实想实现全球范围电子学习、电子保健和电子商务,建立适合当地文化的资源是关键,也就是说,语言本土化、内容本土化、咨询本土化和“用户定制”是关键。葛利教授总结到:我们确实有可能通过适当应用现代技术,创设更加公平、平等的全球社会,但是,在现实中有一定的条件局限。
The digital divide is important for a whole range of reasons, not least of which is the moral imperative. In this essay the author examines such questions as: Can we create a more just and equitable global society through the appropriate application of modern technologies, or are they much more likely to divide us yet more ruthlessly than in the past? Are we locked in some tragic struggle which has no fundamental hope of resolution or will we be uplifted by the possibilities that such technologies present? The statistics around those on either side of the digital divide tell us that it has much to do with the traditional discriminating factors between the haves and have-nots. Crucial in understanding the problem is an appreciation of the roles played by poverty and the existing disadvantages suffered by the disabled. If we are ever to achieve truly global ownership and participation in issues such as e-learning, e-health and e-governance, this author argues that the relevance and cultural applicability of the material available is vital. The issue of local language, local content, local consultation and 'customisation' is vital. I conclude that we do indeed have the opportunity to create a more just and equitable global society through the appropriate application of modern technology, but that there are serious qualifications.
出处
《中国远程教育》
北大核心
2004年第11S期49-54,74,共7页
Chinese Journal of Distance Education
