AP CSP Day 2 - Digital Divide

Course Information

• Course: AP Computer Science Principles
• Unit: Big Idea 3 - Impact of Computing (IOC)
• Lesson: Day 2 (50 minutes)
• Learning Objective: IOC-1.B - Understand the digital divide

Learning Objectives

Primary Goals

Students will be able to:

1. Define what the digital divide is
2. Identify factors contributing to the digital divide
3. Understand efforts to address the digital divide
4. Analyze real-world scenarios involving the digital divide

AP Exam Alignment

• Big Idea 3: Impact of Computing (16-20% of AP Exam)
• Essential Knowledge: IOC-1.B.1, IOC-1.B.2, IOC-1.B.3
• Computational Thinking Practice: 3.A - Evaluate the impacts of computing innovations

Lesson Structure (50 minutes)

Opening Hook (10 minutes)

1.1 Welcome & Lesson Preview (5 minutes)

Teacher Activities:

• Recap previous day's content on the impact of computing
• Introduce today's topic on the digital divide

Student Activities:

• Think about: "What are some examples of the digital divide in daily life?"

1.2 Digital Divide Examples Challenge (5 minutes)

Activity: "Identify the Factor"
Instructions:

• Groups of 4-6 students
• Identify factors contributing to the digital divide in given scenarios
• Discuss the importance of addressing the digital divide

Purpose: Activate thinking about the digital divide

Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)

2.1 What is the Digital Divide? (10 minutes)

Definition (IOC-1.B.1):

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not.

Key Concepts:

• Factors: Economic, geographic, educational disparities
• Effects: Limited opportunities, reduced quality of life
• Solutions: Government programs, community initiatives

Case Study: Addressing the digital divide in rural areas

• Scenario: Providing internet access to underserved communities

2.2 Common Factors Contributing to the Digital Divide (5 minutes)

Examples:

• Economic disparity: Cost of devices and internet
• Geographic disparity: Lack of infrastructure in remote areas
• Educational disparity: Limited tech education in schools

Discussion Questions:

1. What makes addressing the digital divide challenging?
2. Can you think of an example where the digital divide exists in daily life?
3. Why is closing the digital divide important?

2.3 Advanced Digital Divide Concepts (5 minutes)

Why is it important?:

• Equity: Ensuring equal access to opportunities
• Innovation: Enabling more people to contribute to technology development

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we promote equity in technology access?
2. Why is innovation important when addressing the digital divide?

Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)

3.1 Group Project: Explore Digital Divide Solutions (15 minutes)

Activity: "Design a Solution"
Instructions:

• Groups of 3-4 students
• Design a solution to address the digital divide
• Present the solution to the class

Materials:

• **Solution design worksheet
• **Digital divide checklist

Learning Goals:

• **Understand the digital divide
• **Identify contributing factors
• **Apply solutions
• **Present ideas effectively

Assessment:

• **Group participation
• **Solution quality
• **Application correctness
• **Presentation clarity

Closure & Preview (5 minutes)

4.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)

Today's Learning Highlights:

1. ✅ Defining what the digital divide is
2. ✅ Identifying contributing factors
3. ✅ Understanding efforts to address the digital divide
4. ✅ Analyzing real-world scenarios

AP Exam Connection:

• These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
• Understanding the digital divide is crucial for the Explore Performance Task

4.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)

Day 3 Topic: "Bias in Computing"

• Learning Objective: IOC-1.C - Understand bias in computing
• Activity: Exploring biased algorithms
• Homework: Think about a recent technology interaction. Was there a digital divide?

Supplementary Materials

Activity Card: Solutions to the Digital Divide

Instructions: Students will brainstorm and evaluate potential solutions to bridge the digital divide in their community.

Knowledge Card: Global Internet Access Statistics

Content: Data showing disparities in internet access across different regions and demographics.