Staff, students attend digital summit

On October 4-5, 2001, 28 Southern University students, along with staff, attended the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Digital Divide Summit Conference.
The conference was presented by Tennessee State University and held at Jackson State University.
The HBCU Digital Divide Summit Conference was sponsored by AOL—Time Warner Cable Foundation. The Title 3 project, The New Models for Teaching, Mentoring , and Learning, directed by Diola Bagayoko, director of the Timbuktu Academy and PIPELINES, provided funding for Southern students to attend.
The theme of the conference was “Accelerating the Closure of the Digital Divide on HBCU Campuses.”
The conference addressed technological issues as it pertains to race, ethnicity, income, education, gender, age, geography, and household composition. The conference offered numerous workshops to provide resolutions for these pertinent questions which were presented to students and faculty alike.
The conference specifically dealt with the gap between HBCU’s and other institutions of higher education. Different speakers elaborated on their views of digital divide and presented many resolutions that could help succumb to minimizing the digital gap. Speakers expressed feelings on improving minority access and job opportunities, as well as, creating stronger information technology support systems at historically black colleges and universities.
One keynote speaker elaborated on the importance that students have in closing the digital gap and helping them with the realization of their role.
“We must come to grips with the inescapable fact hat technology infusion within our institution is no longer an option, it is an absolute necessity for our survival,” stated Dr. James Hefner, President Tennessee State University.
Bagayoka presented at the conference. His presentation focused on the importance of possessing a supportive administrative leadership and systematic mentoring programs in closing the digital gap.
Attendees of the conference felt that it was very successful.
“The conference was well organized and I was impressed with Southern University students participation. They were not shy at all and I think it is a positive outlook. I hope that they would bring the conference to Southern University,” stated Karen Simms, conference chaperon, Program Editor and Assistant to Director of Timbuktu Academy.