Focus question:
What are “digital inequality”
and the “participation gap”?
Digital inequality is defined by
the book “Tranfroming Learning with New Technologies” as the idea that access
to the latest computer technology varies greatly within low-income and
non-white Americans less likely to be able to afford and use the newest tools. In
a research study based on students between the ages of 5 to 17, 80 percent of
white students have access to computers at home, while only 48 percent of Hispanic
students and 47 percent of African American students do. A participation gaps
definition, states that students who lack 24/7 access to the latest
technologies lag behind their peers technologically and educationally. As
technology is being emphasized more and more in schools having a strong
foundation and a lot of practice with computer use can be very beneficial.
While this can be good for children that are familiar and experienced with
handling computers, it can be very much harmful to those that are not fortunate
enough to have access to computers at home. Lacking the practice of using these
tools can really slow them down in completing assignments or doing research.
Though there are libraries and computers at school this does not close the
participation gap. In fact, some argue that adding computers at school can
actually increase digital inequality rather than reduce it.
photo credit to: MDGovpics
Tech Tool:
Edutopia
Edutopia is a great site with lots
of information for Innovate Teaching in grades K-12. This website contains
blogs, videos, articles, and a lot of great information. This website would be
very useful for teachers who may need ideas on lesson plans or how to handle
things in a classroom, it is also informative on what is going on in the
education world. However, you do not need to be a teacher to find this website interesting;
it is full of great information for anyone to enjoy. It is easy to navigate
through it. I also like that it does not ask you to sign up in order to view
their videos, articles, etc.
Summary:
This chapter focuses on integrating
technology in a teacher’s curriculum and also for the teachers use. This
chapter discusses benefits of technology in a classroom, while also addressing
the drawbacks of its use on certain students. One of these, drawbacks is the
concern of digital inequality and the participation gap. Despite some of the
drawbacks, there are many benefits that in my opinion outweigh any negative
factors, such as the student’s positive response and interest in using
technology in school. Some other benefits are that technology facilitates communication,
research, and the teachers ability to track student progress.
The so called digital divide may have a longer life than we desire, but I have witnessed that to be less impactful than the authors infer. Students without devices or laptops generally have a good buddy that they can borrow that computing power. I'm really seeing some kind of device in the possession of almost every high school student - it is their life blood! ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat photo and citation - now be sure to hyperlink out to another website, as applicable. For instance in this post, you could link out to Edutopia and any specific articles.