Lynn C. Woolsey: “As a member of both committees, it's of particular importance to me that our children have the access to technology in…”

“As a member of both committees, it's of particular importance to me that our children have the access to technology in order to succeed in school and in their future endeavors. Congressman Larson's amendment is a step in the right direction to ensure that students have access to information and internet technologies and also that schools can better use these available technologies. However, as we strive to make technology more available and effective, let's not focus only on the physical barriers, but also consider the cultural and social barriers as well. The emerging 'digital divide' that we are all concerned about will not only break along economic lines, but social lines as well. For instance, girls generally do not continue to use technology as they get older the way boys do. It won't do us any good to procure the best computers, and completely wire our schools, if there is a group of students who aren't encouraged to use this technology. We need to create education and outreach programs to promote opportunities for girls in high-tech futures.”