As this reporter conducted a Zoom interview from his South Shore home with University of Chicago computer science professor Nick Feamster, the internet connection failed and the call dropped.<\/p>\n
Stories like this abound in Chicago\u2019s neglected neighborhoods, where residents struggle to maintain a quality internet connection as they work, study and play from home \u2014 or where they lack high-speed internet entirely, Feamster said.<\/p>\n
That has motivated Feamster and fellow UChicago professor Nicole Marwell to lead a team of researchers working to turn residents\u2019 anecdotes about their internet issues into \u201can arsenal of data\u201d to better address the city\u2019s digital divides.<\/p>\n
Starting with a pilot phase in South Shore, Englewood, and North Lawndale, the project will use the data to create detailed maps and informational dashboards.<\/p>\n
The team will work to determine what solutions are possible for overcoming Chicago\u2019s digital divides \u2014 and which are most feasible given the city\u2019s tech infrastructure, political climate and other factors.<\/p>\n