What is Digital Access?
"Full electronic participation in society."
(Ribble, 2011)
(Ribble, 2011)
Technology is a prominent tool in most careers and schools, however, as technology is expanding, there is a digital divide that is being created. As a digital citizen, it is important to realize where these divides take place. There are still people who do not have access to technology, or have limited, outdated, or very different technology, while others have the top of the line resources. It is important to realize that there needs to be equitable access regardless of income, disability, age, sex or culture.
What is Equitable Access?
Equitable Access is ensuring that all students have fair and equal access to technology and are able to participate in the digital community. There is no doubt that there is a divide between those who have access to technology and those that do not. Often times, it is those students who come from a low-income background that struggle to be provided access. Therefore, it
is important to expose the students to the technology that is available in the school. Most people believe that equitable access is just guaranteeing that all students have the opportunity to use technology, however, there is more to it.
Equitable access also means that all students have the opportunity to use the technology in the same manner. Many articles, including that by Paul Gorski, question the use of technology between those primarily white student classes, and those of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch programs. Teachers with primarily white students are using the technology to address creative, problem-based instruction, whereas, those with higher percentage of students qualifiying for the Free and reduced lunch programs, are often using the technology for skill review and practice instruction. This contributes to the digital divide as well as skew the way that students percieve technology.
It also means that teachers are creating a technology enriched curriculum that pertain to all students' abilities and interest so that they have a sense of belonging to the digital community. We, as teachers, have to be aware that there are bias views of technology integration, even in current curriculums. The ideas such as females are not interested in technology careers are embedded in throughout society, and can influence the way students are taught.
Access and opportunity is not just about race or sex of a person, but also by their ability. Students with disabilities have the same right to a rich, technology incorporated education as any other student. Teachers should not limit these students based on what they think is in their capability. There are many tools out to support students with disabilities so that they are capable of the same tasks as their classmates.
is important to expose the students to the technology that is available in the school. Most people believe that equitable access is just guaranteeing that all students have the opportunity to use technology, however, there is more to it.
Equitable access also means that all students have the opportunity to use the technology in the same manner. Many articles, including that by Paul Gorski, question the use of technology between those primarily white student classes, and those of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch programs. Teachers with primarily white students are using the technology to address creative, problem-based instruction, whereas, those with higher percentage of students qualifiying for the Free and reduced lunch programs, are often using the technology for skill review and practice instruction. This contributes to the digital divide as well as skew the way that students percieve technology.
It also means that teachers are creating a technology enriched curriculum that pertain to all students' abilities and interest so that they have a sense of belonging to the digital community. We, as teachers, have to be aware that there are bias views of technology integration, even in current curriculums. The ideas such as females are not interested in technology careers are embedded in throughout society, and can influence the way students are taught.
Access and opportunity is not just about race or sex of a person, but also by their ability. Students with disabilities have the same right to a rich, technology incorporated education as any other student. Teachers should not limit these students based on what they think is in their capability. There are many tools out to support students with disabilities so that they are capable of the same tasks as their classmates.
What is Assistive Technology?Assistive technology is any device that can help a person with a disability. It can be as simple as eye glasses for someone who has difficulty seeing, or as complex as well equipped computers with communication software installed. With Assistive Technology in place, students with disabilities can gain independence and be able to complete the same tasks as their peers.
There are many assistive devices that allow for those with disabilities to use the same technology as those around them. For instance, a student who has vision impairment, or difficulty reading can access the "narrator" function on a computer, or can adjust the font size on the screen. |
|
There are ways to modify how to control the computer's actions. For instance, if a student does not have the mobility to use the computer mouse, they can access websites and files by manipulating keys on a keyboard, or use voice activation software.
It is important for a teacher to understand the importance of assistive technology and when a student might benefit from these tools. As a teacher, we must be aware of what assistive technology there is, such as reading programs like Kurzweil text to speech software, Alpha smarts for those who have difficulty writing due to their fine motor skills, or amplification systems for those who have difficulty hearing. Please take the time to be aware of the tools, as well as how to obtain them for your students. With these resources available, all students can have access to a well rounded engaging education.
It is important for a teacher to understand the importance of assistive technology and when a student might benefit from these tools. As a teacher, we must be aware of what assistive technology there is, such as reading programs like Kurzweil text to speech software, Alpha smarts for those who have difficulty writing due to their fine motor skills, or amplification systems for those who have difficulty hearing. Please take the time to be aware of the tools, as well as how to obtain them for your students. With these resources available, all students can have access to a well rounded engaging education.
Assistive Technology Survey
Above is a survey about Assistive Technology. You can review the results of those colleagues in and around the Smyrna School District.
TEACHER RESOURCESArticlesUnderstanding the Digital Divide from a Multicultural Education Framework
Paul Gorski's article that discusses the digital divde in terms of access, use, and interest for the field. Closing the Equity Gap in Technology Access and Use A guide for K-12 teachers that exposes the inequities within access and use, and discusses ways to close the digital divide. Examples of Assistive Technology Included in this article is examples and explanations of Assitive Technology available for students. A Resource Guide for Teachers and Administrators About Assistive Technology. This guide addresses the need and benefits of Assistive Technology, as well as the legal aspects of these tools and how to obtain these resources. Other Resources/WebsitesMicrosoft Shape the Future
See how Microsoft is working to bridge the digital divide by providing resources to children around the world. |
STUDENT/PARENT RESOURCESDelaware Libraries
Libraries in the state of delaware all provide free computer/internet access with the use of a library card. Internetessentials.com Comcast is helping to make internet access available for all U.S. households, by offering Internet service at $9.95 per month for households with children who recieve free or reduced school lunches. Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative DATI website devoted to provide assistive technology, as well as information and resources to those that need it. They work with parents to get the assistance needed for their students. Family Center on Technology and Disability This National Website provides information about assistive technology and provides resources for topics such as funding and working with the IEP teams to receive assistive technology. |
Digital Citizenship by Christina Taylor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.