Against All Odds.

This article highlights the views of the author in narrowing the digital divide in the U.S. The digital divide has been a public issue since the 1990s, but the gap appears to be widening. The American society is quickly becoming a society of digital haves and have-nots, with large differences in access to computers, software, and content. This should be of concern to everyone who believes in maintaining a democratic society. But for the author, it is a personal issue. After graduating from Yale, the author began his work career at Morgan Stanley in a unique two-year management training program. It was there that the author became fascinated with technology. Computer literacy is a must for any child who enters the world with a lack of advantage and dreams of achieving success in business or any career path. Yet the divide continues to widen. In fall 2000, the Department of Commerce published statistics that showed that about 78 percent of households with annual incomes of $75,000 or more had access to the Internet. An emerging gap between connected and well-connected kids prevail. Placing computers in classroom is essential, but it is just the first step. Technology must become an integral part of teaching and learning in all schools.