Conclusion

The solutions may, at first, seem simple—give students access to computers—but the implementation of those solutions are anything but simple. It is not enough of create assess to technology in a physical sense—that should only be the first step; educational institutions must create learners who are digitally literate in using the technology. Access to the tools and technology alone does not create educated users who will be able to understand how to successfully use the technology or be adept at manipulating and maneuvering the digital world to create meaning in their lives and for their lives. Educational institutions must have high standards in teaching all of their students and provide meaningful interactions with technology. A librarian must "...update your knowledge or understanding of your community, as your demographics may change" (Casey 29). As our demographics change, we must strengthen our own knowledge on how to bridge the participation gap. We need to reshape our views of the digital divide, create authentic experiences for students to engage with the technology, and continuously reassess our position in the digital age through dialogue with parents, students, teachers, and the community at large. We must, as Palfrey and Gasser state, “...make space for students, parents, and teachers to educate one another about what's going on in cyberspace and to explore together ways to mitigate the risks that online life brings with it" (102). Through this exploration and thoughtful training, we have the power to create citizens--not only for our cities, but global citizens who will affect change on our world. As one parent stated, “This is the future of our kids, this is what the world’s going to; to survive our future is right here. It’s all right here. It’s allowed us to access information we’d normally wouldn’t have” (Jackson 188). This is a future all kids deserve; it is in our grasp to give it to them by providing the support and training that many can only get if we give it to them to be fully realized citizens—to be socially included in their world.