MIT DEVELOPING SEARCH ENGINE FOR GLOBAL POOR - Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) argue that existing Web technologies cater to "Western" users, who are "cash-rich but time-poor." Users in poor countries, they say, where phone lines can be hard to come by and many Internet connections are extremely slow, are in a very different boat: little money but lots of time. To address this gap, researchers are developing a search engine that sends requests by email to MIT, where computers perform searches and return email lists of filtered results the next day. The premise of the system, according to MIT's Saman Amarasinghe, is that "developing countries are willing to pay in time for knowledge." Because those who
could benefit from the search engine have only very slow Internet connections, the software is being distributed on CDs to users in developing countries. For the complete story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3065063.stm (BBC, 15 July 03 - Edupage, 16 July 03)

THE WINSTONNET: A VITAL LINK - More than 35 recreation centers in Winston Salem, NC are linking together to combine recreation and computer learning, in the first phase of WinstonNet, one of the most advanced and broadest efforts yet by public and private groups in an American city to bridge the so-called digital divide between the haves and have-nots. For years, community activists and politicians around the country have talked about the need to help people who have been left behind in the digital revolution
because of poverty, disabilities, or fear of new technology. Without computer literacy, the argument goes, disadvantaged groups will become more excluded in the high-tech economy. Viewing the digital divide defined as "skill" as well as "access", WinstonNet will provide ample training, holistically, as a community. In addition, business and industry will tie in to the fiber network offering additional support and opportunity.

Now there are discussions about allowing individuals to connect to the WinstonNet system through local phone or cable lines, without going to a WinstonNet site. The local Habitat for Humanity group is proposing that all its renovated homes come equipped with WinstonNet access. "As people become more aware of it, the pressure will mount for more access," predicted Don Martin, superintendent of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Mr. Martin said one possible WinstonNet expansion would create a site in the sprawling Hanes Mall south of the city. "One thing we've learned is that everyone can find their way to the mall." (New York Times, 8 July 03)