Introduction

Hooray! The fibre optic cable is here!! Yeah! Right, now let's wait for the electricity....

In this assignment, you'll explore the hidden backbone of information technologies, how those technologies tend to be for the privileged classes around the world, and how people use those technologies to enact change in their countries.

Your Contribution

  1. Collaborate in the current Google Slides template (available via Canvas) to summarizes your chosen topic and readings.
  2. Then ask each other questions and suggest revisions by using the Slides Commenting feature. Be sure to @name to alert your classmates of your comments.
  3. Download/Print a PDF of your slide and the Bibliography slide that includes your entries.
  4. Submit the PDF in Canvas for a plagiarism check and score.

Infrastructure

Radio frequency spectrum map (PDF 2016).
FCC Spectrum in color from 2016.

Infrastructure, as it pertains to information technology and computer science, has to do with electricity, physical wires, airwaves, space technologies, and communications networks which are the bones of a system that allows us to talk to each other over great distances and produce all manner of products and virtual services. Explore this key concept by reading one or more of the following:

Reading List

Digital Divide

The luxuries of a well-formed infrastructure allow many of us to enjoy the benefits of varied communications services, but what about remote, war-torn, or famine-stricken areas of the globe? Where are these 'digital divides' and what causes them? Do any countries provide the infrastructure as part of their social services, or do citizens pay a private company? Have those private companies taken advantage of the lower classes thereby reducing their access to parts of the infrastructure resulting in their inability to improve their financial situation? Explore this key concept by reading one or more of the following:

Mind map: factors that contributed to the Digital Divide
Charmaine Pu's Mind map: factors that contribute to the Digital Divide

Reading List

Digital Justice

When the masses are disgruntled with their government's response to poor infrastructure, they may revolt! Some people will take on the role of activist to take the people's message to their government. Activists play a key role in communicating the message physically (in person) as well as virtually. How have activists used social media or protesting applications to further their cause and enact justice? Explore this key concept by reading one or more of the following:

Reading List

Net Neutrality

One component of our infrastructure is the internet, which was originally slated as a free and open resource for all humans. Has this original intent stayed intact? Does everyone have equal access and speed at an acceptable price? Or do others have better access and speed for a premium price? Explore this key concept by reading one or more of the following:

Reading List

  1. Net neutrality will make a comeback in 2022 (2022)
  2. Restoring Internet Freedom (2021) Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers; Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization
  3. Net Neutrality 2021 Legislation at the State Level (USA)
  4. 15 Facts about Net Neutrality.
  5. The WIRED Guide to Net Neutrality 2020