Journal # 10

"Bridging the Gap – Strategies for Creating Equitable Learning Opportunities"
By: Don Hall

In this article Hall comments on how he disagrees with the notion that technology is the answer to the problems in our present education system and that the digital divide is narrowing. He simply states that, “technology is actually accelerating the rate at which the divide is growing”. He follows this comment by including research about the highest performing companies in that technology does not impact the rise or fall of a company yet instead it accentuates the rise or fall. If a company is doing well technology makes the trend continue at a faster rate, and similarly, if a company is on a “downward slide”, technology with just make the failure occur more rapidly. This is also true in our schools; collaboratively a school must work together with the staff, the families and the students to create a support group where technology is integrated not only in school but in the home. Some schools have created a grant program where old computers are refurbished and given to families without a computer in the home. Students were also hand chosen to participate in a program that reflected the schools diversity and also the real world melting pot awaiting students out side of school grounds. The students that took part in the programs were then not only the recipients of the knowledge but were also messengers to others. Another strategy implemented to bridge the digital divide and integrate technology was to place computers in choice community areas such as an African American Cultural Center, as well as another ethnic center where many ELL students and individuals would be able to access the technology. Also by creating computer labs in the community’s largest apartment complexes mostly consisting of immigrants, these immigrants will be able to access and learn about the technology and pass the information to others. By providing equitable learning opportunities for all your students and ensuring they are successfully prepared for their future, where technology plays a vital role in helping that happen, then the digital divide can be narrowed if not closed completely. All must work together and collaborate to make that happen, because it won’t happen on it’s own.

1.) What are the bonuses of using students to relay the knowledge about technology themselves instead of having other people take the course first hand?
By using the students as messengers to share their new found knowledge, the system is providing the students with a valuable learning experience in developing leadership skills. Also by addressing the digital divide issue by means of listening to students who represent peers who would be affected by potentially exclusionary technology practices the students are hitting two birds with one stone.

2.) What are the actual strategies to help bridge the gap in the digital divide?
By creating grant programs, under-privileged children can access technology where they would otherwise be unable. Creating magnet programs where specific children are chosen to act as messengers to convey info to others. Creating a student technology advisory board to act as leaders for other kids to come to when they need help with technology and to create a support group. Partnership with families and community helps create an extended network for everyone to have access to technology. All of these create a system where technology is available for everyone.

3.) What are some effects of sharing technology with students in their homes?
By creating a network where everyone can connect to technology students will be more willing to share their knowledge and families with be a stronger unit as well as the community as a whole. A problem with many underachieving schools is the disconnect with parents. By creating the network parents will be more inclined to participate in the classroom and be more involved in their child’s education.