The digital divide is a topic I think about often with the students in my classroom. I have assigned internet homework for students knowing that a large portion did not have access to the technology but I did provide the opportunity to complete the work in class for those that do not have the option of completing it at home.
I have a wide range of students that have the up to date technology at home and are tech-savvy, and those that are novice to using the computer to navigate websites and word processing skills. All students have computer access once a week during technology but this limited amount of time isn't enough time for the students to complete tasks that would enhance their skills using technology. The digital divide is quite obvious in the classroom.
I thought talking about the digital divide in class the other night helped me visualize what schools have and the opportunities the students of those schools have. It's quite unfortunate that some schools have opportunities to purchase technology but it isn't utilized in those specific areas.
The purpose of this blog is to help teachers get experience with what it feels and looks like to create a blog post or add comments to another person's blog posting.
2 comments:
I think you make a great point that some schools have opportunities to technology but it isn't used. It is frustrating that there are schools with digital cameras, flip videos, or ipads that are not being used. Although students can use their phones to take pictures and videos, I think they should be acquainted with more than simply their phone as a form of technology. Students need to be able to use a variety of equipment. I have also struggled with assigning work that requires internet access. My students who do not have Internet at home have been able to use their phones in the classroom to complete the task.
Lisa, I too have a large "digital divide" in my classroom. Even those students who are fotunate enough to have a computer at their home do not have high-speed internet because the service is simply not provided in such a rural area. I applaud you for giving them both the internet assignment AND the time to complete it at school if they needed it. Many teachers, myself included, shy away from these types of assignments altogether.
I think that all of our students could benefit from our continued use of technology in the classroom, regardless of their at-home access.
-Alyson Boone
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