Introduction

The digital age has changed the way users interact with information and this knowledge must inform libraries and schools on how to best guide digital natives. The digital divide still exists despite those who claim, especially during the Bush administration, that it was a problem solved. The digital native thinks and interacts differently from the digital immigrant creating this digital divide, but the greater concern is the participation gap that exists between people of different races and socioeconomic classes in the digital native population. This participation gap then excludes these nonusers from being the creators of meaning in our society and thus perpetuates where power lies in our society. Trying to create equality in a system that, in the past, has been inherently unequal is difficult, which is why it is vital that librarians and other educators provide a bridge to those on the other side of the participation gap to create social inclusion through digital literacy training. It is not enough to simply provide students with access; educators must provide students with ongoing training that is well-planned, thoughtful, authentic, and creative in order for students to engage in the technology and create fully engaged citizens. Without adequate teacher and librarian training to do this and an ongoing authentic dialogue with students, parents, and the community, the digital divide will increase, which ultimately affects the way the non-user is viewed by teachers and peers creating an even greater participation gap and success rate in education. Librarians and other educators must reassess their own pedagogical approaches to technology and prior education on how to best serve this emerging population.