Digital Divide is something I have studied in my ITGS classes, I had this amazing opportunity of seeing it right before my eyes. I enrolled in the service program, where we were supposed to instruct students on how to use a computer. Reading, writing, and basic Math are rudimentary skills required to avail employment; add Digital literacy to that list and you get the rudimentary skills in today’s era. To me, these camps were seen as a way through which I could positively affect the lives of a few people. I felt very privileged to be able to use modern-day technologies such as Phones, Laptops, and the Internet; I wanted others to be able to experience the joy of the internet and how it is a source of unlimited information. LO1: I Identified that I am a good planner and that I can easily foreshadow a response! In the first session, we started with an introduction to what computers do and the difference between hardware and software. During the class, we collectively observed disinterest from all the participants and thus we discussed what should be done in the next session to make it more interesting, where I was able to put forward many creative solutions. LO2: Teaching students was a challenge not only because I haven’t taught before but also because they did not understand English! I have never taught a class full of people and have had poor communication skills even when I am talking to my friends; unsurprisingly this was going to be a huge challenge, and it was. During the sessions, I was able to understand how Explanations can be made easier and instructions more receptable, majorly improving my communication skills(Obviously I was able to empathise being a student myself)! LO4: Showing commitment was vital as these very voluntary camps where volunteers would have to be present in the school on a Saturday, missing one day would mean missing an entire topic of the camp. I volunteered every Saturday of the program and took my work very seriously, which was not the case with a lot of the other volunteers who would simply waste time and sometimes just take advantage of the fact that the children did not know anything about computers. I did not wander around the predecided activities and instructions and completed all of these within the time. LO5: Working collaboratively was of a huge advantage in this situation as we had to cater to around 20 students we took the responsibility of helping a group of 5 students each, which allowed us to answer all questions they had. Working collaboratively had an extremely positive effect on the planning of the class, where if somebody’s thoughts weren’t substantial enough, somebody easily countered it. We were able to include multiple perspectives and languages for the class due to a diverse group. LO6: The issue of Digital illiteracy is widespread even in the developed world, though not as prominent as is in India. Digital Literacy doesn’t solely cater to Employment needs but also provides one with constant information of his/her surroundings and communicate with each other. Unfortunately, many schools in India don’t offer a class in IT skills, this causes a lot of educated people to be left unemployable due to a lack of skills and also to be unaware of the surroundings. Working as a volunteer I could the solution to the world problem became apparent, teach them! Just after a couple of classes, I observed a certain level of confidence and familiarity within the student, and after a couple more classes they were able to use Spreadsheets, Word-processors, Paint App and browse the Internet. LO7: An ethical challenge that really scared me throughout, was is it safe to introduce these kids to the internet? The Internet is boundlessly dangerous and totally uncensored, and very frequently has content that a kid should in no circumstance browse through. During a class about browsing YouTube videos, I observed a kid watching Inappropriate videos, and make me question our curriculum’s design and implications. My outlook towards the Internet has changed from it being a source of unimaginably high information and knowledge to a very dark and unsafe place. Attitudes demonstrated:

• Empathy: As I had to put myself in the shoe of a novice while giving instructions.
• Tolerance: I accepted all types of thoughts and questions, considered no question to be stupid enough.

Learner Profiles Used:

• Thinkers: We put in a lot of thought into designing and planning the classes.
• Communicators: Our entire time this is literally, what we were doing communicating and sharing our knowledge of using IT.

One key thing learned: Teach and share knowledge as much as you can.