Are HBCUs Up to Speed Technologically?

Abstract

In the United States, the digital divide exists, which is a gap between people with access to technology and those who do not have access. The African American community is far behind Whites in terms of computer and Internet usage. Many advocates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are concerned about the existence of a digital divide between predominantly White colleges and HBCUs. This study reports technology scores for the faculty of a small Southern HBCU on its familiarity and use of technology. Furthermore, the study focuses on how the college administrators addressed technology issues on the campus over a 3-year period following the initial faculty technology survey. Recommendations are shared to enable HBCUs to compete and thrive technologically.