This article is one section of a report from the Laptops for Learning Task Force in Florida which assessed the use of mobile laptop computers as it related to student success in grades K-12 and can be accessed at: http://etc.usf.edu/L4L/1-Bridge.html
Thanks to Dr. Dawson for sharing this resource with me!
This particular link speaks to the need for bridging the digital divide between the "haves" and the "have nots." It could apply to anyone 's pursuit in this class as it speaks not only to the use of laptop computers, but to any technology. It is offered as one of the "guiding principles" suggested by this task force along with teaching 21st century skills, reforming teacher methods, providing effective professional development and more. The principle itself is stated as "All students must have access to appropriate tools and to challenging curriculum in order to bridge the digital divide by moving beyond basics and towards 21st century skills."
Of particular interest was a comment by Maisie MacAdoo as it relates to the concept of "equity". The equity she speaks of is in terms of not just quality of the technology itself, but quality USE of the technology. To me this is one of the most glaring issues out there. As we read in the articles last week, plenty of schools have the latest and greatest sitting around unused. The technology is not being maximized because the teachers don't have the time/resources/knowledge, etc. necessary to make it a "best practice" and a natural part of their curriculum.
In the short time I've spent talking to teachers and students at my middle school, I can already see that this is one of the biggest issues surrounding our 1:1 laptop initiative as well.
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3 comments:
The article you referenced seems to address such "no-brainer" points, but the truth is that those points are being overlooked over and over again in an attempt by some schools to say "we have the newest technology in our school." That's all fine, but it's not going to get us anywhere if teachers do not have sufficient training, access, and motivation.
Our school has been introducing various new technologies this year, but most teachers have no clue what they are because we are notified of these technologies by email. To our techies' credit, they are now working with a grade-level at a time to introduce new "toys," but the digital divide remains.
I can't help but think that with all of the new technology that emerges day-to-day, how can we ever catch up and bridge that gap?
You make some great points in your analysis of the problems presented by the digital divide. Specifically in terms of socio-economic restraints, students and families who live and work in these conditions will probably have more problems "getting out" than ever before.
If one is concerned with his safety and shelter first and foremost, putting a laptop in front of him is not going to have much of an impact. It would be akin to giving a starving, homeless man a bottle of Dolce & Gabana cologne. Sure he'll smell better, but is his quality of life markedly improved?
Technology has the potential to cause even more of a socio-economic divide in our nation. The stratification that currently exists will continue to be perpetuated if we do not have quality systems in place to use technology to help these students achieve beyond their supposed means.
Oops! I meant to provide a link to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to reinforce the points I made in my comment. Here it is:http://changingminds.org/explanations/needs/maslow.htm.
This is essentially how I framed the ideas you presented.
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