An article written in 1997, WOW, fast forward 14 years later and we still are experiencing the setbacks of equitable access for all students. http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te400.htm
As stated in the article as well as Soloways podcast leveling the playing field for all students is a vital component to our educational system. I whole heartedly agree with Dr. Soloway in that money for support and allocating of funds appropriately is the key to success but unfortunately this is not the case.
As an instructional technologist I would advocate for the use of free software that is available for all students in every classroom. Exposure to non traditional roles at an early age will help with gender issues. Perhaps more time not only working with the teachers but the students as well and introducing them to current issues not only stateside but globally to help with understanding cultural differences and socioeconomic sensitivity.
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Free software is a great choice! What are some of your favorite ones?
ReplyDeleteYou are right that in order to enhance technology integration we need to work with the students. Sometimes we forget that they don't know how to do everything just because they are a wiz with technology. I had two students struggle just this week with burning a CD, I simply thought they would know how to do that.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI had created a webpage using shutterfly, I have used slideshare to share videos that I couldnt upload to youtube. All the ones thru Walden that I have had to use are pretty decent.
There will always be a need for instructors to guide students, remembering technology is just a tool.
The problems you describe are human ones: they have everything to do with the nature of the species. Fix this and the digital divide would go the way of smallpox eradication. I do not foresee this positive change happening, which leaves it up to any concerned parties that might be inclined to stand in the gap in order to repair the breaches in the world. It's the easiest thing in the world to do but it is the most difficult thing for people to desire to do. Technology cannot fix this.
ReplyDeleteJeannine,
ReplyDeleteGood post. Open Office is a great replacement for Microsoft Office. What do you propose we do to the students who may not have access to computers? I know that it seems in this day and time that there are students that lack computers.
Angela