Class Equity in Computing

As stated in the course module, social justice is “concerned with the promotion of the welfare of the people” (Albacea, 2003, p. 63). With regards to class equity in computing, the social justice issue there lies in the fact that underprivileged people seem to get a little chance of experiencing the benefits of information and communications technology (ICT). Due to poverty, basic needs like food, clothing and shelter have always become part of the problem among the majority of Filipinos. Because of this, access to ICT resources seems to be the last priority, and more often than not, this has always been considered as luxury than a necessity.

In the Philippine educational system, rarely do we find a public school that offers computer subjects as part of the curriculum. Public school students are left behind when it comes to computer knowledge. Private school students are undeniably knowledgeable than those from public schools for some reasons. For one, private schools can afford to buy new computer equipment, build special classroom with computer aided instructions and hire the best teachers that specialize in computer subjects. In majority of Filipino households, it is seldom that you can find a computer on a table. Some who are lucky to have purchased a computer are usually unable to get connected to the Internet because of the burden of getting a telephone line, paying for its monthly bills and acquiring an Internet account.

Thus, the plight of computer illiterates seems uncertain today. With almost everything that is dependent on computers, one must have at least a basic knowledge in computer technology. Although the Department of Education is getting the biggest slice in our national budget, our government obviously cannot provide every school with computers. However, they should uplift the quality of education being provided in school by at least improving the capabilities of teachers, as well as their knowledge especially in the field of information technology. This, in a way, will bridge that gap between private schools and public schools. Private sectors, as well as some organizations can also contribute something to alleviate this social issue in computing. They can donate computers to some public schools or barangays, especially to those remote parts of the country. Moreover, it is also proven that the media plays important influences in the society. Maybe through an educational program about computers, televiewers from different ages will obtain necessary knowledge about computers. I believe that everybody can have an equal chance of acquiring computer education if the authorities in the society will help hand-in-hand.

What would be my role to lighten the problem in class equity in computer? I have no computer to donate and, in fact, I don’t even have my own computer. However, with my knowledge that I have acquired in school and with my various work experiences, I can contribute something to resolve this issue. I can share my knowledge perhaps by offering my service for free during training-seminars in public institutions and by participating in any discussions regarding ICT.

Reference:

Albacea, E. A., Payongayong, T. T, Pinpin, A. V. (2003). Computer Ethics. UPOU.

My Opinion on Internet Governance

Why is there a need to involve three groups (governments, private sector and civil society) in discussions on Internet governance? (Related question: Why is the WSIS process so inclusive, and not confined to meetings among technical people such as engineers, network specialists, computer scientists only?)

From the start of its existence, Internet has evolved to a very powerful media that allow people to interact with other people from other parts of the world. It also serves as repository of information that is readily available to anyone with just one click on the mouse. However, the Internet has been prone to different computer crimes, in which some people vehemently use it as a way to “harm” other people.

Thus, the Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG), set up by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, was tasked to come up with a definition of Internet Governance and identify appropriate policy issues which will be considered in establishing various roles and responsibilities of governments, private sectors and civil society in implementing Internet governance. Governments have capabilities to establish good ICT infrastructures in their respective region. Moreover, they have the power to pass laws that will fight computer crimes and implement regulations and standards in computer technology. On the other hand, private sectors play an important role in the development of technologies, which can foster nation-building. Also, they can serve as partners for the government in making national policy and enactment of laws. Likewise, the civil society can participate in creating policies, making sure that the needs and welfare of the people will be addressed. They can also be tasked to conduct trainings in communities especially in rural areas.

WGIG acknowledged the contributions of academic and technical community in the development of the Internet. However, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is not only restricted to technical people like computer scientists and network specialists. Government, private sector and civil society are the three sectors considered as stakeholders of the Internet service and are most likely to be affected if irregularities happen in the Internet. Thus, these three sectors in the society could effectively define policies and laws about Internet governance. As the technical people contribute in the development of the information and communications technology, the government, private sector and civil society can work hand-in-hand creating policies and laws to protect the rights of the people and improve ICT services.

Choose two from among the 27 identified public policy issues relevant to Internet governance. What policies would you personally propose to the WGIG related to these two issues? Do you agree with the Philippine position on the two issues you selected? Explain.

The WGIG identified some Internet-related public policy issues. Among these are:

Internet stability, security and cybercrime
The Philippines supports the WGIG recommendations regarding this issue. It further recommends a global model that will serve as a standard for formulating regulations on Internet governance. I will, however, propose to have not just a global model but also to have international policies and laws to be implemented not only in one specific country but to all concerned nations as well. This will ensure that computer crimes are punishable no matter where the acts are committed.

Internet connection costs
I agree with the recommendation of the Philippines that is to create a regional backbone and access points within a region to lessen the cost on providing Internet services especially in developing countries. It would also be helpful if the WGIG will encourage countries to utilize open source technology to lessen the cost of putting up communication infrastructures for providing the Internet service which, in effect, will bring down Internet connection cost.

From among the 4 models proposed for Internet governance, which one do you think is best? Explain your answer.

In my opinion, among the proposed models for Internet governance, Model 1 answers most of the issues identified in the WGIG report, such as setting up of international policies and laws on Internet resource management, computer abuses and socio-economic policy. It also ensures that public and private sectors will have influences on formulating policies and laws in Internet governance.

References:

Philippine Position in the WGIG Final Report. Retrieved September 12, 2005, from Philippines Information and Communications Technology Web site: http://www.cict.gov.ph/images/stories/draft%20philippine%20position_%20wgig_report.doc

WGIG Report. Retrieved September 12, 2005, from Working Group in Internet Governance Web site: http://www.wgig.org/docs/WGIGREPORT.pdf