Providing equal access is a difficult task. Let’s also keep in mind that equal access is not the same as access equity. There are many students with different learning styles, disabilities and access issues to take into account when planning lessons. Students with any disadvantages must be given the same opportunities to use technology. “Ensuring equity means that all students--regardless of class, race, culture, gender, socioeconomic status, or physical limitations--have equal opportunities to participate in meaningful and authentic applications of educational technology.” (Bell 1997)
In an ideal world, every student would go to a school that has proper funding for technology, technologically savvy teachers and access to the “digital world” from home. More often than not, this isn’t the case.
The question is how do schools/teachers provide students with equal access to the digital world?
The answer…
Prepare for every obstacle you may encounter.
It’s important to know your students, their limitations or gifts and, if possible, any information about family background/culture. It’s also imperative to find out to what your school has access. Does your school have a technology coordinator? (Bell 1997) How many computers, TVs, DVD players, or digital whiteboards does your school have? (Bell 1997) Is your school equipped with tools for the deaf, blind or non-English speaking students? The more teachers know about the population they’re working with, the more successful they may be in giving them all the same opportunities.
The important thing is that even if students don’t have the capacity to do a project the same way as everyone else, there must be an alternative. And if students don’t have access to technology at home, then the technology and time must be provided for that student(s). If there isn’t enough time for all students to access the technology for a “decent” amount of time, then maybe jobs could be assigned and computers/equipment could be shared. There’s always going to be “what ifs?” when it comes to creating lesson plans, but teachers can learn a lot from others’ experiences and suggestions.
Reference:
Bell, Rosemary. "Critical Issue: Ensuring Equitable Use of Education Technology."
North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. 1997. Web. 14 July 2009
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te400.htm
8 months ago
i definitely agree that collaborating within the classroom, school community, and with parents is the way to success when it comes to equal access to technology. some of the research i did about this subject taught me that there are many avenues within the community that teachers can look into to help supplement digital equipment that may be lacking in a school...something to look into.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your last point especially-there MUST be an alternative. Finding it will probably be one of the greatest tasks that we undertake when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteI agree that providing equal access is very important and must be provided to every student, yet it's also a difficult task. Don't get me wrong. I'm up for the challenge as we all are, or else we wouldn't be here. However, I am intimidated by the parents who won't help their children out and don't provide equal opportunities for them. I guess the point is to be open-minded about students and help provide them with access to the digital world even if they cannot have those opportunities at home. We should take the time out of our day and use computer lab time, or after school hours to be with those student who would like to learn more about computers and the internet.
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