Chapter 4- Integrating Technology and Creating Change

Photo Credit to Denise Krebs on Flickr

Focus Question:  What are “digital inequality” and the “participation gap”?

The terms “digital inequality” and “participation gap” refer to the discrepancies between children of high-income homes and children of low-income homes regarding access to technology. “Digital inequality” focuses on the lack of monetary resources families from low socioeconomic backgrounds have to buy the most advanced, up-to-date computer technology and software. The “participation gap” falls under the same perceived issue of technology access between various income levels. Children that fall within the participation gap do not engage in the same technological activities that their peers do, such as online activity. According to the textbook:

"If low-income and minority students are unable to use all of today's technologies as other students do, then access alone will not reduce an inequality of educational outcomes".(p.95)

I think it is imperative that as a country we work to ensure all students are given the same educational opportunities. As our world, society and education system begin to gravitate around technology. it becomes our responsibility to provide equal opportunities for technological access to all students.

The video below is very informative on ramifications that can and will occur as a result of the digital divide. Lack of technological resources as well as familiarity with these resources affects not only our children, but our country as a whole. 

Tech Tool Link: Online Technology Integration Resources: Edutopia

Prior to reading the text I had a chance to navigate through the website Edutopia. The website offers a plethora of free resources and information regarding technology integration in the classroom. I think websites such as Edutopia are such a gift to teachers, especially today's teachers who are constantly inundated with new and exciting technology that can enhance the learning experience. It's comforting to know that while some of the content may be a bit overwhelming, the teacher is certainly not alone in their quest for appropriate, stimulating activity that will help teach and familiarize their students.

Summary & Connection: 

I really found this chapter quite interesting. Just seeing how far technology has come from when I was in elementary school is tremendous. Not only does the use of various technological programs increase the effectiveness of a student's learning experience, but it also helps the teacher in organization, planning, grading and presenting material. It is so important that we find a way to bridge the gap between the socioeconomic classes and technology access. Although there are activities and ways to integrate technology despite the disparity, students still suffer when they do not possess equal access to educational technological tools at home. The text made a very important distinction between change being "hard-wired" into computers and the reality that technology's impact in the classroom is navigated through the teachers, school officials and parents.

 Photo Credit to Massachusetts Education Secretary Matt Malone on Flickr 

Resources: 

 Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5