Key points:
Believing that all students have equal access to technology is a mistake. According to the United States censusNinety percent of American households have a broadband Internet subscription and 95 percent have a computer, but that doesn't mean kids are learning to use these technological tools as well as they should. To do that, they need access to technology in the classroom.
Unfortunately, not all American classrooms are well-equipped to educate students through the use of advanced technology. Schools across the country must make changes to ensure equitable access to technology and give students and teachers the education and advantages they deserve.
Why do children need technology in the classroom?
“In my time we didn’t have computers in class.”
“When I was in school, teachers were lucky enough to have overhead projectors.”
“I remember when students weren’t even allowed to use calculators at their desks.”
Sentiments like these are common among older generations, many of whom believe that children in elementary and middle school classrooms don't need technology to learn, and to some extent they're right. Students have long been learning advanced concepts without the aid of advanced technology, and teachers can continue to teach without devices like computers, tablets, interactive whiteboards, and more.
However, just because classrooms don't necessarily need technology doesn't mean they can't benefit from it. technology has changed education For everyone involved. For teachers, technology tools can simplify classroom management and personalize learning to deliver a higher quality education to each student. For students, technology can improve engagement, enhance collaboration, facilitate communication, and generally make learning fun.
Furthermore, giving children access to technology from an early age allows them to begin developing the technological skills they will need in the workforce. technology is not going away; if anything, workers need increasingly sophisticated technological skill sets to achieve career success across all industries. By accessing various forms of technology from an early age and in an environment that supports practice and experimentation, children can develop the understanding and competence they need to thrive in higher education and beyond.
What is equitable access and why is it important?
A lot Schools provide access to technology There are plenty of technological resources in the classroom, but not enough. Many schools that do offer some form of technological support in the classroom may not be able to provide a high-quality experience. For example, they may not have enough devices for all students, or they may have outdated and underperforming computers, internet connections, and digital content.
The result is a digital divide between students Students who grow up knowing how to use computers and those who don’t. More often than not, students who don’t have access to technology at school don’t have technology available at home. Unfortunately, the students most affected by the digital divide tend to come from marginalized communities, and the digital divide only worsens these students’ educational and socioeconomic outcomes, potentially for life.
While all students have a right to education, that doesn't mean they have the same opportunities. People from different income levels and racial backgrounds lack the same opportunities. Equity in education is the first step to addressing the problems, and providing equal access to technology is essential to achieving this.
How can schools improve technology accessibility?
Extremely low budgets and high technology costs can make it difficult for schools to provide the equitable access to technology that all students and teachers deserve. Fortunately, there are some strategies that can make it easier for schools to implement technology in the classroom, including:
Government resources to improve digital accessGovernment initiatives, such as the federal E-rate program and Title IV of the Every Student Succeeds Act, provide the resources schools need to acquire technology for classroom use. Some programs help schools extend digital tools to students for use at home, including laptops, tablets, and even Internet access. Schools should also look into grants available from state and local governments, as well as private foundations.
Partnerships with technology companiesMany high-performing organizations are constantly looking for ways to contribute. Schools can partner with companies that can donate funding or technology tools. Local companies may have fewer requests, but larger corporate partners may have more resources to offer. Educational administrators could consider multiple partnerships to fully cover their technology funding gaps.
Systematic plans for technology implementationIt is often not enough for each school to meet its own technology needs. District administrators must ensure that all students and teachers have access to technology tools in the classroom. A systematic plan that includes policies on equitable access can help guide the action of administrators and educators.
Decades into the 21st century, students need to acquire technological knowledge and skills, which means their classrooms need to be equipped with technological tools. With dedicated effort, schools can ensure greater access to the technology that students and teachers need, bringing the United States closer to closing the digital divide and achieving true equity for all.
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