The Digital Divide

The digital divide clearly exists. The focus is on making sure that schools have access to technology without regard for quality. It reminds me of the logic put forth when students who are lower SES or special needs complain of inequality in education. They are brushed off and reminded that they have been provided with the same material that the wealthier/regular ed students have access to. The assumption is that this implies equality. Just because lower SES districts have computers does not mean that the quality of technology education is equal
to its wealthier counterparts.

It is not the presence of the tools but how they are used which is crucial to learning outcomes. Therefore, it makes sense that to start students must have access but that they must also have trained educators teaching them how to use it. This does not mean simply teaching kids how to use computers or software. Instead it requires teaching students to use them for educational purposes that have meaningful value. Projects that evoke creativity, allow for individuality and connect kids to issues of importance to them and their communities.

We cannot simply ensure only physical access to technology. This must be followed up with equal access to effective instruction that teaches basic use and builds on that to create further learning. This can be done with professional development for teachers that focuses on two elements. The first, ensuring that teachers know the basics in using software and technology. The second, exposing educators to ways of using the technology creatively and effectively for learning. The goal being to immerse technology into curriculum the same way that other elements already exist within it. Without assisting teachers, they are left to figure out this fairly new aspect of education on their own. With all that is required of educators today, this hardly seems fair or effective.