AP CSP topic 5.2
Digital Divide
The digital divide is the gap between people who have good access to computing devices and the internet and those who do not. It can depend on income, location, age, disability, or education, and it exists within countries and between them. The divide affects access to school, jobs, health care, and government services. Schools, companies, and governments try to narrow it with programs like low-cost internet and device loans.
Digital Divide vocabulary
- Digital divide: Unequal access to computing devices, the internet, and the skills to use them.
- Access: Being able to use technology when needed.
- Broadband: High-speed internet service.
- Equity: Fairness in who gets resources and opportunities.
AP-style practice questions
Try each one, then open the answer. To save your progress, take this quiz in the interactive course.
1. Which of the following best describes the digital divide?
- (A) The difference between computers and phones
- (B) Unequal access to computing devices, the internet, and digital skills
- (C) The split between hardware and software
- (D) The space between two computers on a network
Show answer
(B) Unequal access to computing devices, the internet, and digital skills The digital divide is about unequal access to technology.
2. A school moves all homework online. Which of the following students is most affected by the digital divide?
- (A) A student with fast home internet and a laptop
- (B) A student whose family has no home internet
- (C) A student who prefers paper notes
- (D) A student who uses a tablet
Show answer
(B) A student whose family has no home internet Without home internet, the student cannot easily do online homework.
3. Which of the following factors can contribute to the digital divide?
- (A) Income and geographic location
- (B) The color of a computer
- (C) The programming language a school teaches
- (D) The size of a monitor
Show answer
(A) Income and geographic location Cost, location, and infrastructure affect who can get online.
4. Which of the following actions would most directly help reduce the digital divide in a rural town?
- (A) Building affordable high-speed internet service in the area
- (B) Releasing a new paid video game
- (C) Raising the price of laptops
- (D) Moving all town services online without other options
Show answer
(A) Building affordable high-speed internet service in the area Expanding affordable access directly narrows the gap.