Abstract:

The digital divide concept is one of the first which appeared to linked ICTs and learning. As the name says, the digital divide names the differences created between people who have the possibility to use ICTs in their life, from those who cannot. As a consequence, two groups have been created: digitally alphabetized and non-digitally alphabetized. The biggest danger of this tendency lays in the deep worry which we all have related to the profound inequalities, both social and economics, we will have to deal with. Nevertheless, this concept is not the only one which needed attention.

The time and evolution of Digital Society have revealed that consequences of digital divide have caused the appearance of another divide known as Cognitive Divide. This second divide does not make reference only to the differences between people which have access to technology from those who do not. The differences which Cognitive Divide causes are related to the differences between those who can take advantage of technology to increase their opportunities to learn and improve their situation, from those who do not. Although different studies have been done in the topic, the social consequences of the cognitive divide have not yet received adequate attention.

In the world we are living in, the technology which was supposed to end with the differences among people, have actually caused the opposite effect. Elder people, immigrants, women, etc. are just some examples of those who are suffering the consequences of the two divides, and the lack of ability in the use of ICTs. Moreover, the analysis of the society and the gaps created show that in many cases the problem is not exclusively the technology, but the knowledge. Apparently, both divides of differential use of internet are related with a great knowledge gap which is causing many problems to people.

In the present work, we will analyze the two divides to try to understand them. To do so, we will explain in detail the two concepts making a revision of different works published. Taking into account the characteristics and how both concepts affect people, we hope to find a way to approach the problem which should be faced by all the society.

Keywords:

Digital Divide, Cognitive Divide, Education, ICT, Knowledge.