This class was most certainly an eye-opener for me.  I am the first to admit that I am not technically-savvy; I don’t use the Internet or computer to its full potential and I still like to read hard copies of everything from reports to newspapers.

This class has introduced to many websites, terms and tools that I would never have even conceived, let alone contemplate using.   However, I have come to learn that this is next wave of information-gathering and as a public servant; I need to embrace and learn what is to come and how people prefer  (or will soon prefer) to gather their information.

That being said, I am still weary of everyone’s ability to gather the same information.    If the information on the web helps us, as citizens, make decisions, what about the individuals who do not have access to the same information?  This is where the threat to democracy comes into play.  When our democracy was first established, the public forum for education and debate was the newspaper – to which people had relatively easy access.  Each person could read the same information – articles, letters to the editor, open letters to the public, and make “informed” decisions.  If we are progressing toward a society where the information that helps citizens make informed decision in relation to elections and our democracy is in cyberspace – along with a nearly infinite amount of information, how do we make sure citizens have the information they need to make decisions?   

Moreover, what about the “have-nots”?  What is to be said for the individuals who cannot afford a computer?  Or, if they can afford a computer, they cannot afford Internet access?    Or, if the have Internet access, they are not able to properly navigate it or use the tools to obtain information? 

If our society does move to a virtual world of online news and reporting, a public policy problem presents itself.  What happens to ensure that citizens are still able to stay informed; allowing for an effective and prosperous democracy?  Does this mean making technology a more integral part of primary education?  Does this mean government incentives to make sure every home has a computer?  I do not know the answer, but it is something that needs to be considered now rather than later. 

I don’t mean to sound “doom and gloom”, but technology has been a train barreling forward; I want to be sure that our citizens and country are on board, not standing on the tracks or on the side.