Technology use in the classroom is consistently rising everywhere in North America, yet the gap between rich and poor remains large. The article, Bridging the Digital Divide, introduces us to the divide between economic disparity and prosperity and how that effects students who are required to complete projects and homework using technology. In Texas a program has been developed to provide students, whose families cannot afford it, with computers and the devices to set up the Internet. "Computers for Learning" is raising funds from local and national businesses to equip students across Texas with the technology to be successful in this technological world. http://www.computers-for-learning.org/
With this program more than 1,300 students have benefited from the program receiving computers and Internet services. The program continues to grow and receives help at the municipal, state, and federal levels. Creating a program to help students receive this technology is helping teachers to enhance their teaching and reach a variety of learners.
Is the digital divide a prominent problem in the placements you have been involved in?
Here are some links that provide some interesting information regarding the Digital Divide around the world:
(This is a report on Canadian Digital Divide statistics)
- Sara Anderson
6 comments:
I have not notice a large divide with my student's technology skills in my practicum placements. I think most of the time they know more about computers and the Internet than their instructors :)
I completely agree that students often know more than their teachers in the area of technology. Therefore, I think it is even more important for teachers to upgrade themselves and their class to be at a level of mutual understanding. Students may take advantage of a situation where they are aware that you are not competant in a certain area.
PS the above post was made by Sara Anderson
Absolutely! Teachers do need to continuously update their technological skills. Some teachers, too often, say I am not going to know how to do that so I'm not teaching it. This is a bad attitude and no different that someone saying, "I'm never going to know how to do geometry, so I'm not teaching it". It sounds pretty rediculous, doesn't it? I think it would be a great idea to make it a personal goal to take at least one Pro-D course about some type of technology, just to keep getting new ideas :)
Are you enjoying blogging? Do you think you'd make your own personal one?
I agree, a variety of technology courses are definately beneficial to all teachers, no matter what age!! You can use a bit or a lot or whatever amount you are comfortable with. I like blogging, I would be worried about keeping my own updated but it is definately something I would try!
Have you ever attended a technology course other than this one?
Sara
I have never attended another technology course - but I do consider myself a bit of a computer nerd :)
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