Equal Access to the Digital World!

How do we achieve equal access to the digital world for our students? This can be tricky because of the digital divide. The article "The Digital Divide: Where are we" defines the digital divide "as the gap between those individuals and communities that have, and do not have, access to the information technologies that are transforming our lives". As a teacher I cannot guarantee that every single one of my students has a computer or even the internet in their home, so how do I integrate technology into my classroom without losing those students who do not have access to it? The solution is to use what they have and I have.

Every student may not have access to a computer or the internet at home, but they do have access to it in my classroom. I can create technological projects for my students to complete in class, such as a WebQuest, Podcast, blog, etc. As long as I give them adequate time in class to complete this assignment, then I won't lose those students who cannot complete the assignment out of class.

Most students have a cell phone and this can be used as a tool in the classroom, too. Students can now download books onto their phones, look up words using a free dictionary app. I know of one teacher who has his students call themselves to leave voicemails on assignments they need to complete or to remind themselves of the most important thing they learned today. There doesn't have to be a divide. Just because a student may not have access to technology outside your classroom, does not mean that you shouldn't use it. Students in this day in age need to know how to use technology for educational purposes. They love to use technology so, if we start powering them up in school then we will be able to appropriately arm them to overcome the digital divide and help to provide equal access to the digital world. No one should be denied the digital experience, so it is up to us as teachers to incorporate it into our lessons.

In a nutshell, providing equal access to the digital world for students means allowing them to use digital tools in the school environment. Use the resources available to you and incorporate the resources they have at their disposal. Don't deny them thought provoking technological projects because some students don't have access outside of class, provide for them the tools you have at your disposal and open up the digital world for them.

Dickard, N., & Schneider, D. (2002, July 07). The digital divide: Where we are. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/digital-divide-where-we-are-today