Unfortunately there is a considerable break in computer access for children both at home and in school. Those children who come from lower income families are less likely to have access to computers in the home and may not have the transportation that is necessary to travel to a venue that offers internet access. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the teachers, administration, and the county to bridge this gap and allow equal access to technology for all kids involved. According to Servon and Nelson (2001) schools can provide access to technology by allowing students time to use computers at school and permitting students without access to home computers to checkout laptops for home use. Another way for teachers to promote technology use in the classroom is by allotting time each day for every student to have access to computers, iPads, etc. Teachers should guide and supervise students at this time, as well as provide them with online tools, apps, and resources that can help to further the students understanding of a topic or problem they are currently dealing with. By working as a community it is possible to bridge the technology gap and to allow equitable access to technology for all students.
With the world becoming increasingly dependent on technology and numerous jobs arising that are technology centered, it is imperative for students to grasp technology centered concepts. Naturally, the most effective way to do this is by exposing students too all forms of technology available and allowing those students access to the ever expanding amount of tools that are offered to them. As mentioned in an article written by Common Sense Media, having an accurate understanding of the role that media plays in students’ lives is crucial to all of those individuals and organizations who are concerned with encouraging student development both in the classroom and out.
Unfortunately there is a considerable break in computer access for children both at home and in school. Those children who come from lower income families are less likely to have access to computers in the home and may not have the transportation that is necessary to travel to a venue that offers internet access. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the teachers, administration, and the county to bridge this gap and allow equal access to technology for all kids involved. According to Servon and Nelson (2001) schools can provide access to technology by allowing students time to use computers at school and permitting students without access to home computers to checkout laptops for home use. Another way for teachers to promote technology use in the classroom is by allotting time each day for every student to have access to computers, iPads, etc. Teachers should guide and supervise students at this time, as well as provide them with online tools, apps, and resources that can help to further the students understanding of a topic or problem they are currently dealing with. By working as a community it is possible to bridge the technology gap and to allow equitable access to technology for all students.
1 Comment
Danesha Thomas
11/18/2014 11:52:11 am
I agree with you in that our world is dependent on technology and that our students should be knowledgeable of and exposed to various technology concepts. Allowing students access to technology in school may be the only time some of our students encounter technology. I think it is important for teachers to understand that our students come from different walks of life. Despite the growth in technology and the various tools available, it is a fact that some students may not have access to technology in the home or outside of school. I definitely agree with you that by working as a community it is possible to bridge the technology gap and to allow equitable access to technology for all students. Knowing that there is a disparity in the students who have access to technology outside of school and those who do not, how do you feel about teachers assigning homework or projects that require the use of technology?
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