The digital divide is the inequalities in student’s access to computers. These inequalities could be from a variety of factors such as income and parent education. It is thought that to narrow this divide schools need to make technology assessable to all students, have schools with computer technology and train teachers in technology. However, to narrow the divide teachers need technology development programs and computers in the schools. To address this problem the Head Start program in the Department of Early Childhood Education and Erikson Institute joined together and developed a technology training program. The main goal of this training program was to help teachers develop their skills with computers and to use computers to be educationally beneficial to students. Some of the bases for this program are to be able to teach for understanding, integrate students rather than isolate them, and to use cooperative learning. This program has supported teacher learning of technology and has prepared them to use technology in the classroom that can help narrow the digital divide amongst students.
- This program was done in the U.S.A do you think that in Canada we have the same problems with the digital divide? Could a program like this work for teachers in Canada?
- Information From NARROWING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE Head Start Teachers Develop Proficiency in Computer Technology
- If you are interested in this topic here are some resources to look at:
The Digital Divide Affects School Success
The Digital Divide In Canadian Schools
The Digital Divide In British Columbia
3 comments:
Hey Kelsey:
The digital divide is really wide spread - even in our school district, many of the elementary school do not have uptodate computers or enough computers for whole classes. How can we expect students to keep up with technology if educational funding does not provide them with the tools. And in our residential location, we suffer with dial up so it becomes too frustrating to do anything. When I was in the high school practicum, students were expected to complete their projects on the computer, using powerpoint, and have everything typed - but many did not have the basic typing skills to do even word processing. And there were always excuses that they didn't have a printer at home, or that it was broken, or that it was out of ink. There was a computer lab, but access was limited (ie with teacher only)...tough to keep on top when technology moves so fast.....
It was an interesting article though...thanks for the links.
Madelaine
Hey Madelaine
I have had some of the same experiences as you in my practicum. Students are expected to complete assignments on the computer but some do not have computer access at home. I have also experienced that in elementary schools where they do have computer labs but only get to use them for an hour a week. I think that keeping up to date with technology in schools can be difficult.
~Kelsey
Interesting comments!
I would have to say that as beginning teachers, our only way to make technology more of a commonality is to be advocates for our students and our schools. I am not saying that we be protestors or radicals. But, as soon to be teachers, we have the knowledge and we know how to use the tools. We have to use this knowledge and support our schools future endeavours. This could come in the form of fundraising initiatives or simply finding ways to utilize the lab time in school and sharing these times with other teachers. I think networking within the school and with parents/community members is one of the key ways that we can close in this digital divide. Students deserve the best education and this INCLUDES technology. I guess we can see what happens in the future. But, the simple mindset is the beginning step in this move towards a better learning environment.
-Amanda
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