The integration of technology in the classroom has often been hindered by a figurative gap known as the Digital Divide. The divide separates those who have the access to available technology and those who do not. The lack of access to 21st century technology in the school system typically lies in urban areas where resources are less accessible, due to lack of funding or average household income being significantly lower than that of the median. Cultivating a “bridge” is the first step to resolving this epidemic we face. As parents, educators, and students the responsibility for laying the foundation necessary for bridging the gap lies in our hands. Technology in the classroom is not a new concept. There have been arguments in the last few decades of whether or not it is a necessary tool for education. Many arguments state that technology is the downfall of our children’s youth. However, technology has proven itself time and time again for the bettering of society. Take the story of Freddie, a 21 year old with spinal bifida with no arms or legs, with the use of talking computers he is able to communicate efficiently and lead an almost normal life. Technology has powers beyond social media and gaming, it is a portal to a new take on learning. Students require stimulating learning environments in order to absorb the information. With the use of technology students are able to learn in an environment that is applicable inside the classroom and out. Technology based learning has already been adapted in many schools locally. For example, several schools in the Henry County Public School System have adapted the “BYOT” (Bring Your Own Technology) policy (http://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/Page/40926). Allowing students to bring personal devices to assist in technology based learning. The policy provides a connection between the classroom and home through use of personal electronic devices. The access to technology varies from school to school within the district. Technologies in the classroom beyond computers are being introduced slowly but steadily. The school system has provided a long list of interactive workshops for teachers to gain the knowledge and skill to increase productivity of the technology used in the classroom. The resources discussed in the workshops include: Flip Camera (video recording), Promethean Board (An interactive whiteboard), Infinite Campus ( a connection between schools, parents, and the community for accessibility) (http://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/cms/lib08/GA01000549/Centricity/Domain/60/Training%20Menu%20Catalog.pdf ). Each school in the district has the access to at least one Promethean Board, wireless laptops for student use, and IPads to provide an alternative to usage of paper in the classroom including textbooks. The bridge between the haves and have nots is slowly becoming a reality as the possibilities for the technology in the classroom become unveiled. How can technology be brought in the classroom when lack of funding is often obsolete? That is a question many educators face when beginning the transition between traditional instructing to one of current technology friendliness. “There are 26 federal grant making agencies and more than 900 federal programs accessible through Grants.gov”. (http://technology-grants.com/page/k-12-education). Grants allow for additional financial assistance in addition to what is allotted yearly through budget. Although Grants are not guaranteed they provide an opportunity. Many schools have taken advantage of the grants that are available as a way to inclement technology into their classrooms. Box tops for education® is another successful program utilized by local schools. Box tops from participating products are collected and submitted via a coordinator for that particular school. Box tops collected are worth ten cents apiece and are used towards purchase of needed materials. This is an outside program based solely on participation of the
way we do things and on many aspects of our society. Digital divide between the technologically literate, elite people and the wide fraction, which cannot access such information, is one of the most significant problems faced. Those without money, literacy, electrical power, proper training, and phone/broadband infrastructure have been excluded from the resources of the internet. One thing that comes to mind in reference to digital divide was seeking employment at the age of seventeen. After…
The Digital Divide Regina Browning INF 103: Computer Literacy Prof. Melody White January 26th, 2015 The Digital Divide Just like Sir Isaac Newton’s law, “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction,” I feel that it is safe to say that most everything has drawbacks and advantages. Almost all of us have experienced the conveniences and advantages that have come from the fast-paced progression in information technology. However, not everyone has shared in these experiences. This drawback…
from websites such as Wikipedia, yahoo answers, and ask.com these sites are primarily opinions. The term digital divide means exactly what it states, it means that there is a difference between people who have Internet and those who do not. Also digital divide explains the difference between those who have skills and education, as well as those who are not trained and skilled. Digital divide can be bridged easily once more people have access to the internet, many people have smart phones now and…
Preview Blog 6 Digital divide is a new label for an earlier expression used to describe the differences in information which it has and doesn’t Is the Digital Divide an Ethical Issue? Is access to every kind of divide regarding unequal access to goods considered unethical? If so then rich and the poor would be an ethical problem too! Access to knowledge is significantly lessened or prevented Ability to participate fully in the political decision-making process and to receive important information…
provide newspaper articles, graphs, and books. This information cannot be altered in any way so they are great sources to use. You were wondering what the digital divide is? Well the digital divide is when communities or individuals do not have access to technology that is improving our lives. One thing that would be considered in the digital divide is the internet. If individuals do not have access to the internet then they are not able to access information as easily. The internet helps many people…
what the digital divide is; in your answer discuss the advantages and disadvantages of improving the digital divide. 1. Concept of digital divide: Since mid-1990s in the developed countries, the growth internet use has raise a new technology for information sharing and communication, and it is called Information and Communication Technology. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) lies as the media of most of activities around the neighbourhood and community. The use of ICT in digital TV, mobile…
a decade, people have no idea where the term originates, nor is there a consistent definition for the digital divide. It is taken as the distinction between people who have rich information and those who don’t. It is believed that it is mainly caused by a divide of access and skills, and there are some factors can affect it. 2. The 1st and 2nd Digital Divide 2.1 Definition Digital divide means that the gap exist that various developed and developing countries among those who are prepare to…
groups. Both products and services attempt to provide value to individuals, families or businesses, and both rely on marketing to stimulate demand. 2. What is the digital divide and what does it mean for e-marketers? - The term digital divide refers to a “situation in which people do not have the same degree of access to modern digital information and communication technologies” (Corporate Responsibility Report, 2009) this gap between digitalized and non-digitalized world results in inequality and…
Digital Divide Tammy Wahlstrand INF 103: Introduction to Computer Literacy Professor Tara Clark May 21, 2012 The Digital Divide The digital divide is most commonly defined as the gap between those individuals and communities that have, and do not have, access to the information technologies that are transforming all of our lives. There are many different groups of people in the world whom either has or doesn’t have access to the internet…
most of the trash that comes from the open internet. The digital divide is most commonly defined as the gap between those individuals and communities that have, and do not have, access to the information technologies that are transforming our lives. Although a majority of our nation has access to the advancing technology and the internet, there is a wide gap between those who have and have access, to those who do not. Another digital divide that has come to light, is those who have dial-up service…