There is no doubt that the digital divide is growing at a rapid pace. In high-income schools, expensive computer equipment lines the walls (Smart Boards) and sits on the desks (laptops) of every classroom. The media has called this proliferation a "revolution" and extolled the virtues of technology as ushering in a new era in education. Educational technology, however, is still largely in its infancy, leaving many to marvel over the wonders while trying to figure out the function.
On the other side of town, there is a similar,but inverted, problem. How do low-income schools procure this new technology? The answer usually comes in the form of corporate partnerships and grants, touching only a small percentage of a community. Largely, the promise of technology has been lost for these schools.
All of this is, of course, is based on the assumption that technology can (or should) replace old-fashioned pedagogical practice. When a low-income school is forced to work without books or other vital tools of teaching, that is egregious. But when they are denied the use of the Smart Board, one wonders what has truly been lost. Conversely, we must ask: what have the high-income schools gained?
Technology has been instrumental in aiding educators and has, without a doubt, created unparalleled access to tools that would otherwise not be available. For the savvy, technology can enhance lessons and practice in immense ways, however, the savvy, it can be argued, are few and far between. Before purchasing technology en masse, administrators and educators should be educated in the use of technology so that they can make intelligent, informed decisions based on utilization instead of trend.
The outcome has already been decided regarding technology in the classroom. The assumption that those who can buy the latest toys will have the greatest opportunity to succeed is pervasive in our culture and the digital divide is, among issues, the result. There is unlimited potential that has yet to be tapped into and when that potential is tapped, schools will be ready, equipment in hand.
1 comment:
You hit the problem spot on! A lot of teachers are still using technology because they have to, not as aid to their teaching. And yes, once again teaching becomes a battle between the have and have nots. The way education is funded right now there will always be a lot more have nots and not enough money to go around and make the schools equal.
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