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Digital Divide in Education

Published on Jan 16, 2016

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1.

Digital Divide in Education

by Kristin Manna
Photo by phsymyst
2.

What is the digital divide?

  • United States & Global Issue
  • Access to technology
The digital divide is a continuing concern both within our country and our global society. With the rise of new technology that is continuously improving the digital divide focuses on the amount of access people have to technology and the Internet (web 2.0) Major factors in the digital divide include socioeconomic status, gender, as, educational background, and geographic location. New technologies are changing the way the world functions and people need access to the new and technology enhance economy. “The Internet is not just a communications tool, a means of commerce, or an entertainment medium. It is also a technological revolution that promises to enhance productivity in many aspects of life and increase the standard-of-living for all those who use it. (p.3) (Expanding te Digital Divide and Falling behind in broadband)”
Photo by Ame Otoko
3.

What is digital inequality?

  • Socioeconomic status
  • Gender
  • Educational backgroud
  • Geographic location
Digital inequality is very similar to the other inequalities we experience in this world. Inequality follows along socioeconomic, gender, educational background, and geographic location lines.
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4.

Issue #1

  • Access to the Internet outside of school
In our high school we serve a very large community with many different needs. Our students come from different socioeconomic background which studies show may limit the student's access to technology outside the classroom. All students have Internet access while on campus to complete assignments. With going to 1:1 laptops next year many teachers will be assigning more work online and expecting students to reference Canvas online for materials when they are not at school. The general perception is that students will always have access to course material through the Internet, but for many students this is not the case.
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5.

Solution #1

  • Communication
  • Alternative assignments
The first thing the school and teachers need to do is to communicate to students and parents the importance of having Internet access. If parents do not have the financial capabilities to provide Internet access you can discuss different methods of gaining access through going to the library and various restaurants that offer free Internet. Teachers need to have an accurate list of students that do not have Internet access so that they can provide alternative assignments for students as necessary.
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6.

Issue #2

  • Communication through technology
Many parents of our students may not use technology as a primary use for communication. The school use technology for the majority of its communication through PowerSchool for grading and now Canvas for online reporting and course organization. Many teachers use e-mail to communicate and social media to pass along messages as well. If parents to do have access to technology for communication, many parents that the school needs to work with will not be reached and the students will suffer.
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7.

Solution #2

  • Have updated list on access
  • Classes to educate parents
Again the school and teachers need to have an updated list of families that do not have Internet access at home. It is crucial that schools take the first step in communicating with parents and the best communication can only be done when the school and parents have the same means of education. Some parents may have Internet access, but may not know who to properly utilize the communication tools. Schools can offer classes for parents to learn how to use these tool. Both teachers and student can help to teach these courses.
Photo by Thomas Hawk
8.

Issue #3

  • Technology avaibility is impacting students chances of future success
Many students without Internet access at home at placed at a disadvantage for future success. There are other factors that include socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and parent education background that coincide with not having access to the Internet. These students are in an area of highest need. To break the divide we need to start by getting theses students access to technology.
Photo by Stuck in Customs
9.

Solution #3

  • Teach students how to us the Internet
  • Alternative access to Internet
Schools need to utilize time to teach student how to use the Internet for research and proper communication. The students that do not have access outside of the classroom have only the time in school to learn how to use technology. Teachers need to incorporate and provide students with the skills necessary to use the technology. Many students can gain access to the Internet by going to alternative location such as a library or coffee shop. Educators need to help students learn how to be resourceful to gain access to the Internet and other means of technology.
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10.

Concluding Thoughts

  • Start making changes now
  • More waiting = larger gap
  • Awareness
  • "Shall guarantee to each individual the opportunity to participate in any appropriate program." - AECT Code of Professional Ethics
We need to start making changes now. Every little change that is made now will prevent the divide from growing further. If we continue to remain inactive the divide will only increase. We need to start with the students we have today to help them have the resources to be successful in the future. As in the AECT Code of Professional Ethics all participants need to have an opportunity to different programs. Many people do not have access to participate and we start making a change by helping people to gain access.
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11.

Resources

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