Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Blog 11
Bridging the Digital Divide is a great article on how to overcome the obstacles presented by technology. Not every student has a computer at home or parents who know how to use a computer. A lot of the time, the only time a student has access to a computer is at school. For this reason, it is the teacher’s responsibility to make sure students are equal in their technology intelligence. The article gives suggestions on how to create equality with regard to technology. Considering many schools only give students access to computers in a computer lab…a greater accessibility to computers is needed. The article states that computer labs can be intimidating, can make computers seem like an extra addition to school rather than a necessary part of everyday school. The way our world is now, I think it is very important that students have daily access to computers. I think this unlimited access is the only way students will be able to keep up with the changing world of technology…especially if they do no have access at home. The article suggests computers be used in a lab as well as in the classroom. If the school does not have enough funding to have multiple computers in one classroom, the article suggests grouping a couple of computers with two chairs each to create a sort of computer station. In this way, more than one student can use a computer at a time and the access is easier and more frequent than in a lab. The article also brings up the issue of software in classrooms. Often, the school does not have enough funding to have software that enhances the different learning styles of students. The article suggests using productivity software and internet resources to broaden the type of software students are exposed to. It is difficult to cater to each student’s learning style, but if students have a choice of how to create a certain project, they can choose the software that compliments their style. Another fantastic idea the article brings up is the one of getting parents involved in the technology their students are learning. If parents do not have experience with technology, it may be hard for them to guide their children. The article suggests opening up the computer lab in the evening for students and parents who need extra help or just time on a computer. Regarding the issue of lack of funding for school systems, the article says this is no excuse. There are always ways to get donations to schools! All in all, I think this is a great article that touches on a very important issue in the education system today.
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