Caught in the Digital Divide
I found this article very true. In the school that I teach at, it is in a lower socio-economic area, where diversity is high (Hispanic, African-American, native American, and Caucasian families reside). The Digital Divide has definitely effected the majority of my students, in many different ways. A lot of them have computers, but no Internet access. But then I get frustrated with the families who do have this technology at their homes and more (Video games, etc), but can't provide for their kids in other ways. Sometimes I think the families in these areas have their priorities out of order. Two of my friends were recently in the Teach for America Program in the South Bronx, NY. Their schools were at the center of the digital divide. They both entered their schools with so much knowledge and experience in many different avenues. The teachers and students in these schools were very similar. Technology was lacking in these schools, and it was almost like the educators who chose to teach in these areas did nothing to make that change. Both of my friends worked hard writing grants, contacting outside corporations to have technology donated for their classrooms. Now those classrooms had the opportunity to explore learning in new and exciting ways. But those are only 2 people making a difference in 2 classrooms! I guess change takes time, but if we are able to discuss the importance with all educators and show them how to find resources for their schools, the opportunities are endless!
Community Technology Centers: A National Movement to Close the Digital Divide by: Mark Sargent
This movement was started by a math / science teacher who I also see as a technology entrepreneur. Antonia Stone opened the first technology center in Harlem in a low income area ("Playing to Win"). This small idea offering access in a small community expanded into a national movement (CTCNet) of more than 600 affiliates with more than 4,000 locations (i.e. public libraries, Boy's and Girl's Clubs, church programs, etc.). Now low income communities, as well as people who lack these services because of other circumstances have the opportunity to educate themselves through the use of technology. This article highlighted two after school programs that took technology instruction to the next level. One, Plugged in Greenhouse, inspired learners to use their creativity and art to express their learning and understanding. Students worked on projects and implemented different technology to explain and expand on their ideas. At one point, they were even allowed to display their art at the Palo Alto Art Center. Students love to display and present their finished and published work. This gives them a sense of self and boosts their confidence levels. Angela Booker (program manager) said, "give a child the ability to take technology to a new place, then eventually, you'll bridge the gap." I see this happening in our EDT 545 class every day with the student interns. They are not just going through the motions of using boring technology, but are given a few essential skills, and each day they are exploring more and more to create new ideas that are all student centered.
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3 comments:
Awesome connection with the student interns and what they are getting by participating in this summer experience. Isn't it amazing to see how good programs can change the lives of youth.
I think that, because of the digital divide, it becomes important now, more than ever for us to make sure that students are getting the technology that they need to succeed in the 21st century and beyond by providing it IN the classroom.
This is why it is important for us as educators to make sure we are providing students with great examples of how to use technology while they are with us for the precious hours that they are. I applaud the efforts mentioned in the article that you were responsible for reading! If we can make technology available in all government and community funded places that all individuals are welcome, then we are one step closer to bridging that digital divide!!!
You bring up a good point, and one that I did not consider much under the topic of "The Digital Divide". I didn't think much about teacher buy in having to do with the slow growth of technology use in the classroom and that in turn affecting the Digital Divide in a negative way. It's too bad that teachers are not more willing to "jump in with both feet" in an area they don't know much about. Especially considering that we expect the same from our students. Conversely, the teachers may be a little bit more encouraged to learn new skills if they knew that the government then in turn would supply the necessary funding to put these skills to use by supplying new computers to teachers for their classrooms. Unfortunately, it's hard to stay on top of technology advancements when we do not have them available to us in our own rooms. It seems to me to be a bit of a double edge sword, huh?
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