The Right Direction? Let’s Be Sure

July 20th, 2010 View Comments

This post was originally posted on Blackweb20.com

There have been reports recently touting the growth in the use of the mobile web by African Americans and English–speaking Latinos. Research by Pew Internet & American Life Project found African-Americans and English-speaking Latinos continue to be among the most active users of the mobile web.

About 64 percent of African-Americans access the Internet from a laptop or mobile phone, a seven-point increase in just one year. Cell phone ownership is higher among African-Americans and Latinos than among whites (87 percent vs. 80 percent) and minority cell phone owners take advantage of a much greater range of features compared with white users.

You can read the report here. Many have eluded that this show the digital divide is closing. I’m not so sure I can start celebrating yet. Don’t get me wrong I am always happy to see increased usage of technologies by minorities but at the same time I always push to make sure that any group understands the real ways that access to Internet can benefit them. Are they checking for vital health care info they otherwise had no access to or are they checking the latest celebrity gossip. Did they gain access to all the free education information available or download some music?

Yes, the Internet is a great new medium for entertainment but in order it to truly empower us and for the digital divide to truly close, it has to be a means of improving and equalizing access to education, health, and career advancement. Don’t let reports like this give you a false sense of satisfaction. We must continue to educate and push for adoption. And once we reach those goals we then must push for people to use this access to really improve their lives and the lives of the people around them. So as we LOL, ROFL, OMG and BRB to our friends. Let’s also push people for the right level of awareness of what’s available to them so they can GTD in the right areas.

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Fast Company 30 sec mba

July 7th, 2010 View Comments

I recently was asked to answer some questions as part of the 30 sec MBA series on FastCompany.com. I was humbled to be asked to be in the company of some great thought leaders. Take a look and let me know what you think.

http://www.fastcompany.com/mba/node/343?video=1

http://www.fastcompany.com/mba/node/293?video=0

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The Value of Diversity

June 30th, 2010 View Comments

When all voices weigh in on a subject, offering their varying points of view from their unique perspectives, the end result is more powerful.  And I’m not just talking about getting a chance to speak – it’s just as important to listen, really listen, to the other side, and to be mindful of their words.
That’s why I think the FCC should carefully read one particular letter they received, the one signed by the Communications Workers of America, the Minority Media and Telecom Council, the Sierra Club, the NAACP, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the National Urban League.   That’s a broad range of voices, representing a broad range of people.
I can’t imagine too many issues where you could get this diverse group – representing tens of millions of members – to sign the same letter, but they are all concerned about the FCC’s proposed Title II regulations.  I recently wrote a piece about the current proposal being pondered by the FCC on the Huffington Post, you can read it here. While some like to say that only a few large companies are against their proposals, this letter clearly shows that is not true.  The CWA and IBEW, for instance, are champions for creating and protecting jobs – and they are deeply concerned that the FCC is putting jobs at risk, something we definitely do not need in a down economy.
You can find the letter, here: <http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/Labor%20-%20Civil%20Rights%20-%20Enviros%20Final%20Letter_1006181.pdf>

I know the FCC is getting a lot of letters right now. But I hope they put this one  at the top of their stack.

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Stay Away, G-Man

June 14th, 2010 View Comments

One of the great things about our nation is that the U.S. government does not “own” the news media.   Unlike some other nations, armed agents don’t burst through the doors of our TV stations and newspapers when they disagree with a story.  Journalists don’t disappear.   Instead, awards are given to those who challenge the status quo; and we often encourage people to express themselves across a variety of platforms.   For this reason, ideas and insight have flourished.

It is precisely because of the way media has impacted culture over the years, absent government intervention, that I get concerned when the government tries to jump in and say, “Let us help you.”   Journalism isn’t what it used to be, particularly when you look at the declining popularity of daily printed newspaper, and now, as a quick fix, some government men (or G-Men, as they were known in the 1930s when newspapers were in at the peak of popularity)  want to come to the rescue.

I’ve got to agree with Jeff Jarvis, a professor at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism who joined me on a recent panel sponsored by the FCC to discuss the changing landscape of journalism and the potential role of the government:   In a column entitled, “How NOT to Save Journalism,” he points out that “the barrier to entry into the media business has never been lower — and that means news can grow. “
Jarvis wrote: “The government should favor neither incumbents nor newcomers, but rather create a level playing field by helping every American get open, high-speed access to the Internet. That is the gateway to the real future of news and media. I believe that future is entrepreneurial, not institutional. The industry’s institutions have had 15 years since the start of the commercial Web, and we’ve seen how far they can come. What we need now are innovators — like my entrepreneurial journalism students — to invent new forms, structures, efficiencies and business models for news.  But those entrepreneurs don’t need government help. They need to be left alone with the assurance they won’t be interfered with by” government regulators.

If you want to read why I say amen, click here

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Commented on “Black Web 2.0″

June 4th, 2010 View Comments

If you have a business checking account the processs is easy. The credit check is in place more to make sure you are someone credible and only because it cost them money to create the readers that they are sending out for free. No where near as painful as the process you have to go through to get a merchant account.



Originally posted as a comment
by navarrowwright
on Black Web 2.0 using DISQUS.

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The “Real” Reality Check

June 3rd, 2010 View Comments

I came across an article today that was written by Harold Ford Jr.
http://www.broadbandforamerica.com/blog/harold-ford-jr-time-reality-check in response to an earlier article he published on the Huffington post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/harold-ford/fcc-re-designation-of-bro_b_588879.html) about his thoughts on the FCC’s attempts at reclassifying broadband service as a means of regulating it.

Of course, when I went to the original article the list of comments were a mile long, and people from Free Press were calling the former Congressman a puppet and fueling the fire for others to attack his credibility and ability to think for himself.

My first question is, does this type of character bashing really help to educate the people about the issues at hand? Does it in any way advance the conversation towards solutions that will actually work? The answer is NO! It just continues to derail the conversation about Internet regulation into senseless bickering.

Really Free Press, what is it that you do? You have yet to give a clear definition of Net Neutrality. You claim to be advocates for free speech but you are hypocritical in even that stance when it comes to your own events.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/navarrow-wright/the-internet-is-open-unle_b_584822.html P.S. I’m still waiting for a response as to why my comments, and other voices of opposition, are consistently filtered out of any “dialogue” you guys initiate about Internet regulation.

The “Real” reality is that while groups like this draw more and more people into useless bickering that is more about “political” posturing than anything else, the Internet can and must continue moving forward. New technologies are being created, like HTML5, new devices are being launched and new companies are being created that are focused on bringing these products to the masses; all under the Internet’s current structure.

While some people sell hypothetical scenarios to cause anxiety, real people are getting things done. The “Real” reality is that there are people out there who need to be educated about the benefits of internet adoption now and not be confused by “what ifs” before they have a chance to get online.

The “real” reality is that the government can’t keep up with this innovation and should focus on adoption and education to bring more people to table.

The “real” reality is that unless they are willing to be a constructive part of the movement to get all Americans online, Free Press should get out of the way so that “real” solutions can take shape.

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Bipartisanship

May 24th, 2010 View Comments

Bipartisanship is not a word you hear much anymore, and you see it in action even less.  But it was alive and well at the Michigan House of Representatives when it passed a resolution asking the FCC not to reclassify broadband as a Title II service.   Republicans and Democrats alike are justifiably concerned that the FCC’s proposals to regulate the Internet “will slow investment in Michigan’s Internet broadband infrastructure and jeopardize future job growth.”

Citizens in Detroit http://www.detnews.com/article/20100516/OPINION01/5160314/1008/Editorial–FCC-regulations-would-hurt-Internet and all over Michigan know something about what happens to our communities – and to our families — when fewer and fewer people find reasons to invest where they work and live.  The folks in Michigan understand that Internet regulations could serve as a disincentive to the continued investment in their communities by high-speed Internet service providers. Innovation and technology demands a new way of thinking, not old and outdated rules. Let’s not put those already most affected by high unemployment rates and poor economic conditions under new strain. Michigan got this right.

Maybe more states will follow its lead. I hope so.   Here’s a link to a news story about Michigan’s decision: http://www.multichannel.com/article/452664-Michigan_House_Advises_FCC_Not_To_Classify_Broadband_Under_Title_II.php

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Commented on “Black Web 2.0″

May 20th, 2010 View Comments

I’m going to say it since no one else will. This new site is a mess especially given the fact it’s from an iconic African American brand (which makes it worse). Aside from the Jet logo you can duplicate this look with a blog theme you could buy for $30. They are essentially just launching a “website” in a time when other media platforms are launching products that keep the unique “feel” that a magazine gives you while understanding that internet gives them the chance to do more. It was ironic that I read this story right after i watched the demo sports illustrated gave of their digital magazine at the Google conference (if you missed it take a look here http://youtube.com/watch?v=U3j7mM_JBNw) , not to mention what magazines like Wired have created for platforms like the IPad. With the rich history of visual content that is in the ebony/ Jet archives they could have created something that was a true testament to how they have been a key part of African American culture through the years. But instead they just threw a website and sold us all short. We have to raise our expectations and force them to give us experiences that are on par with where mainstream media is going.



Originally posted as a comment
by navarrowwright
on Black Web 2.0 using DISQUS.

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Broadband Access Saves Budgets, Improves Education, Just Ask The State of Oregon

April 29th, 2010 View Comments

I live in New Jersey and I’ve been following our new governor’s massive education budget cuts.  Everything from clubs and sports programs are being removed. Teacher’s are being let go and classes are being consolidated. The public school experience as we know it is changing dramatically for the worse. For those who want to know more about the issues in New Jersey you can read here and here. I’m sure that there are similar issues going on  in the your states as well.

The point here is that states are looking for ways to cut budgets and are willing to jettison almost anything to get there.  I’m pretty sure that in most of these budget debates no one has really looked into how technology and broadband access can create cost savings. I know from experience it can, but am always looking for proof. I came across a story today about how the state of Oregon  has moved  to using Google Apps in every classroom in the state.  For those unfamiliar with Google Apps is it “offers simple, powerful communication and collaboration tools for any size business – all hosted by Google to streamline setup, minimize maintenance, and reduce IT costs.

Google Apps includes Gmail for business, Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Sites, and more for $50 per user per year.” For  companies of 50 employees or less there is a free version.  So think of it as a version of Microsoft office products  that operate totally through your web browser.

The one key things is that Oregon will save 1.5 million a year  once they make the move for teachers and students, but honestly that is only one part of the value proposition. This will change the way students interact with each other, with teachers and how work is done and shared. Here are a  few examples

  • All documents are stored in the cloud (over the internet) so that they are stored in a central location and available. (so the dog will never be able to eat your homework)
  • Real time collaboration of documents allows to students to work on one document together real time from multiple locations ( THIS IS HUGE)
  • Google Marketplace gives you access to other apps that can extend features even more. (expect an education marketplace soon)

There is a great except from the article that speaks to this

“If all goes smoothly, Casap wrote on the official Google blog, the Oregon experiment has the power to reshape the classroom experience. Students, for instance, will be able to access a range of documents from home; teachers will be able to provide feedback remotely; projects that once required hours in the library can be organized and executed via the cloud.

“It blows my mind to think about how far technology in the classroom has come since I was in school, and how far we still have to go to make sure kids in classrooms everywhere have access to these tech resources,” Casap wrote. “Cloud computing tools like Google Apps are one way teachers, schools – and now a whole state – are addressing the issue.”

Of course, Oregon students can already access the cloud, provided they have a working laptop and an Internet connection. The difference in Oregon is that the cloud itself will become institutionalized – a buzzing, whirring extension of the classroom”
So my question is why aren’t urban centers making changes like this. It gives them the dual value by saving money and also give the students access to a new suite of tools that allow them to collaborate and learn more effectively. Actually I believe in most cases there are school systems who can’t afford to give access to desktop computer tools to the entire school body now due to software licensing costs, etc.. So imagine the immediate benefits in those cases. And ALL IT TAKES IS AN INTERNET CONNECTION AND A COMPUTER, So instead of cutting teachers and cutting programs that make our younger generation more well rounded and in some cases keep them out of negative lifestyle choices let’s look at how technology and broadband access to can cut costs and improve the education experience at the same time. Let’s just take a cue from Oregon. Maybe I’ll give Governor Christie a call or better yet send him an email with the Google apps link in it. Maybe we can get some of our programs back.

You can follow me @navarrowwright on Twitter, hear my audio casts at http://www.cinchcast.com/navarrowwright

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Lack of Broaband Adoption Widens the Education Gap

April 26th, 2010 View Comments

I took part in two panels panels last week.  The question of how broadband access can help enhance education came up on both panels. When the question was directed to me I told the audience about a post I had written before here where I talked about how i used free online services to learn iphone app development. Whenever I tell that story to people and compare the $99 developer fee to the start-up costs of some brick and mortar businesses, it really hits home. I started thinking to myself that if people who already have access to broadband don’t know about all the educational opportunities available online then imagine what people who have not adopted broadband are missing out on. Just off the top of my head I can think of a few things:

  • Free Education: My Iphone development example is only one of many. Itunes has a whole Itunes U section with hours of free content available in almost any subject from some of the top universities in the country. Other sources of free and low costs content are just a Google search away.  Just Think about the new skills people can acquire to create new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for themselves.
  • Online Degrees: I remember when people thought online degree programs were  scams and had no real value but that is no longer the case. These programs allow students access to scholars from any part of the world as well as access to  an enriching education experience that they otherwise would not be able to take advantage of. These degrees are recognized in the same way traditional degrees are and programs are popping up at institutions all over the country. Imagine a person who never thought that getting a degree was a reality for them who is now be able to achieve that goal with the help on a internet connection. An article I came across talks specifically about how the National Broadband Plan is aiming to help ensure that these opportunities are available to everyone. You can read about it here http://www.dotoni.com/online-education/earning-your-degree-online-growing-among-students

I truly hope that the FCC follows through our their promise of broadband access and adoption for all.  Without it the ones who already are missing out on these education will continue to fall behind and the education gap will widen even more.

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