When the phrase "bridging the digital divide" first appeared in the media and in publications, it referred to the disparity between the information "haves" and the "have nots." For example, anyone in education knows there are students with Internet access at home and those who do not even have a computer. Some school systems have Internet access in every classroom while others in a neighboring county may have access only in the media center. Some ethnic groups are less likely to have access than others, and typically, the young are "haves" and the old are "have nots." However, statistics show the greatest disproportion exists between varying income levels of households.
But why is it so important to "bridge the digital divide?" Social inequalities exist everywhere, right?
The U.S. Department of Education reported that nearly 90% of jobs by 2010 will require some type of technical skill. Lack of access to the tools and skills needed in today's workplace leads those without to be stuck in a place where they will never make enough money to acquire the tools and training needed to increase their employment opportunities. This keeps a large sector of our society in cycle of poverty that is hard to break.
What can we do? As educators, we are charged with the important task of educating America's youth. This goes well beyond classic textbooks for teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. But to ensure that our teachers are receiving the proper training and necessary tools to prepare our students, we as administrators must take the time to better understand the capability of technology and the impact it has on our students and ultimately, our future.
What can you do this year to help your school bridge the digital divide?
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I am looking forward to learning more about the technology tools that are provided to my teachers so I can better assess the effectiveness of the application.
ReplyDeleteI agree this is something that schools need to address.
ReplyDeleteMy belief is that our veteran teachers need to catch up to the younger newer staff and with the students. It seems the kids have all the technology at home, but when we get them in school, we take it away. I need to be the type of leader to bring our teachers into the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteThe most critical part of this process is to make sure that "all" have access to the techology needed!
ReplyDeleteI need to make sure all classrooms have technology available and that all teachers give their students the chance to learn and use technology effectively.
ReplyDeleteI would like to encourage more teachers to use technology in their classrooms. I would also like to make computers more accessible to all of our students (ex: checking out laptops to students, or making a lab available after school for student use).
ReplyDeleteIn this fast paced world, it's important to keep our students engaged. Learning with the use of technology is definitely engaging. I've seen students jump out of their seats to work on the smartboard or to respond using the CPS units. It's the now and we need to stay in the know!
ReplyDeleteI think all educators must make a conscious effort to stay current with the changes in technology. Technological skills must be taught in the classroom and integrated into the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI think that we as administrators need to be aware of what new equipment and technological advances are available. We then need to provide training, or access to training, on those we feel will benifit the students in our schools. Information sessions such as what we are attending today are a great in helping become more aware of what might be affective.
ReplyDeleteSupport teachers in the quest to incorporate more technology in their classrooms.
ReplyDeleteIntegrating technology into the classroom will bridge the gap between the "haves" and "have-nots". Providing opportunities to create projects, communicate through the use of media, and work with technology will give every child a better playing field for the workforce.
ReplyDeleteI agree that "not having access to technology" does impact opportunities. It is our responsibility as educators to provide opportunities for our teachers and our students. If administrators "model" for teachers, then so, too, will teachers "model" for students the great uses of technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I feel many of our teachers need to constantly be reminded of this.
ReplyDeleteWe're really excited about the possibilities the Title II grant will have for our math students this year! :)
ReplyDeleteI am very happy that we have used our funds to improve technology in our school. All our classrooms have SmartBoards, projectors, scanners, digital cameras, and microscopes. I am proud of the emphasis our teachers place on technology.
ReplyDeleteAs an administrator we must provide professional learning that will enhance the use of technology in every classroom. Teachers will use technology in the classroom as they gain confidence in their use of technology.
ReplyDeleteI can continue to support the TEC in my school. This will benefit both teachers and students in their scholastic achievements.
ReplyDeleteThough I don't have a school, I am fortunate enough to be able to review needs assessments to assess which technology components are needed most. Hopefully some of the "gaps" will be closed with more PL...
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