Some of the digital divide issues that I have include access to computers, student access in and outside of the classroom, access to websites/software programs. The greatest of these is access. Throughout the school year, there are many times where computer labs are not available due to projects going on in other core classrooms. This becomes an issue in terms of incorporating more technology into the learning of our subjects. One way to remedy this is to obviously add more labs, however, in a school that is as old as Port Washington High School, it might just be better to have a new building altogether.
Another issue is access to the Internet and computers for the students. Not all students have the Internet, let alone a computer in their homes. I myself did not have my own computer until about two years ago. Many students also have dial-up sevice in the home, and do not have the speed available with DSL. This serves as a problem for students who are asked to participate in online conversations about subject matter. The issue continues as our library is not equipped with an educator after school to allow for students to continue these projects on their own time. One solution to this problem is to make sure that there is a teacher or hired professional that is available to help with these student needs.
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3 comments:
Your frustrations are similar to mine in regard to the digital divide. Districts can't afford to keep up with the trends. It requires a lot of creativity on everyone's part.
I can't believe you didn't have a computer in your home until a year and a half ago. I'd be so lost without my computer. OMG...I'd have to actually talk to people!
You raise so many important issues. So often surveys are conduct that find all students have a computer at home -- but does it have the speed and power to handle class room needs. Also 5 kids one computer - not enough. Also the access at school is so key - we budget cuts we will continue to battle this issue.
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