Ms. Honeyhuckle is a new teacher fresh out of Malaspina University's Education Program. She has developed a unit on frogs, and has planned a very interesting lesson in the computer lab. She has assumed that all of her students will be fully engaged in the lesson because it is technology based. Unfortunately things do not go as planned! Little Billy is staring at a blank screen, and quickly becomes disruptive. Ms. Honeyhuckle can not figure out why Billy is off task. Upon discussion with Billy it becomes apparent that Billy has had limited exposure to technology, and does not have access to a computer at home. Therefore, he is feeling frustrated at his inability to keep up with his peers.
The dilemma that Ms. Honeyhuckle faces is the Digital Divide in her classroom. The digital divide 'Refers to the gap between individuals, households, businesses and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels with regard to both their opportunities to access information and communication technologies (ICTs) and to their use of the Internet for a wide variety of activities'. http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTINFORMATIONANDCOMMUNICATIONANDTECHNOLOGIES/0,,contentMDK:21035032~pagePK:210058~piPK:210062~theSitePK:282823,00.html Ms. Honeyhuckle had not considered that not all of her students would be computer savvy. In today's technological world, there is an unspoken expectation that everyone has a home computer, and the skills to use it. Unfortunately, in today's economic world, that is not always the case. The digital divide is perpetuating a system, of have's and have not's. There are students in the classroom that already are faced with disadvantages. Everything from clothing, food, transportation, entertainment, etc, ect, all of these things contribute to stratification in the classroom. The digital divide only adds to this mounting issue. therefore, students already faced with disadvantages, fall further behind their peers owing to the fact that it is impossible for them to keep up with their peers. according to the Digital Divide network, the digital divide is part of the overall academic performance gap. Therefore, is this related to the overall socio-economic gap? And how do we bridge this gap?
Please see these links for further information
http://www.digitaldivide.net/articles/view.php?ArticleID=957
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1999/10/99/information_rich_information_poor/466651.stm
http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/New/digitaldivide/digital3.html
28 comments:
Very Interesting links ladies. I have experienced the "divide" in a few high school classes and it was very hard to over come. I had tailored a few assignments to allow students to work at home because of family issues and found that they did not have access in the home...This is a huge part of teaching technology at all levels. Thanks for the info!
Excellent topic ladies! I have not thought about a digital divide. I think a big thing to keep in mind is that students will have different comfort levels of technology. Not all students have been exposed to technology except in the classroom. Like anything the teacher needs to think about the many different levels students are at, just like in any subject area.
-Rebecca
It may be difficult using technology for class work as students are at different levels, but that's no reason for us not to use it. Students are at different levels in all areas, and once we learn what a student can do, we can hopefully create adaptations to help the student succeed. If a student does not have a computer at home, perhaps there is an opportunity for he or she to use a school or library computer to complete an assignment, and there should also be opportunities for these students to get support in computer literacy outside of school. Libraries and resource centres often offer free help in becoming comfortable in computer use. I know there won't be an easy solution for all students, but technology is part of life, and we must do our best to help students learn to use it.
-Mela
I like the spin on this because everyone is talking about how we all use technology and their are students and families who dont have a computer. Now it could be becasue they choose not to or they can't afford one. It isn't that schools should press computer use but they are with students who love technology and they deserve skills to expand that, but because it is a world that is driven my technology it is important for those students' to at least have some kind of background knowledge with computers. If they have never used one or don't want to use then that is when adaptations come in and if you can back up why you are teaching it then that is all you can do. You work with what you have and it is the same thing as a student not being able to go on a school trip...well then how do we get them there? How do we help a student use google get an email address look at resources navigate through the internet well I bet our students' know more than us so allow them to be teachers. Partner a student who doesn't believe in computers with their friend so they feel more open to the situation. There is never a reason why a student cant learn anything.
Natalie
The digital divide will and has created stratifications in our society. We can assist students as Natalie suggest but stratification is an unfortunate aspect of society. I think that as an educator the best I can do is be aware and support students that are struggling. This type of stratification will become more predominant as throughout this century as did access to formal education in previous centuries.
It comes down to balancing the needs of all our students. How do we teach them all? Technology is an important teaching tool but not the only tool. Teaching a student about computers to bring their skill level is certainly not as difficult teaching an illiterate student how to read. Home access should not be a dterent from using computers it is apart of majority of todays vocations. These low income students need the skills to meet the realities of this techno era.
We also need to remember home PC's are a recent trend too. They were not common in the home a mere decade ago.
interesting discussion. I'm not sure what can be done to 'bridge the gap' I think we have to treat younger students the same way we treat them with reading et al. Not all students will have exposure when entering school and we have to take it from the beginning. As students enter higher grades the hope is that they have been exposed at least at school and have an idea of what is going on.
Blake.
I have never really given much thought to the students in my class just not having computer access at home. Giving assignments to be completed at home must be done with care. Having a computer in the classroom might be helpful for some students to get "caught up" with some work during free time or as a centre.
I think you ladies have brought up a very important point. To often we assume that all our children will be able to type up their school reports, complete research at home, or stay in touch through email. This is not always true. This is why having access to school computers is vital. Todays world is almost ran by technology and it is important that we as teachers enable our students to be successful!
-kathleen
Good point ladies...I have never really thought about the digital divide. I think that we as teachers really need to consider that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to technology. Also we need to take into consideration that some kids dont have access to certain technologies.
You are welcome Lesile-
I have yet to encounter this issue but I am fully aware that it exists. Owing to my interests in teaching at a "high needs school" I am sure that I will be exposed to this dilemma and will need to make accommadation in my instruction and I have no problem in doing so; my concern is how to close the bridge without seregating students. Does one give out surveys? Does one send home a letter ?
When approaching this issue one
( teachers) needs to be sensitive and delicate. "outting" a student can result in irreversible damage.
ANGELA
In a classroom, if our students don't have means to pens, pencils, books and/or paper due to economic hardships, we as a community find ways to try to provide them. Often teachers themselves or schools end up spending money to help students with financial needs. Perhaps it should be the same with a computer, as it is a necessary material for learning. Not only should there be access to computers and staff to help students use the computers within schools, but also efforts could be made by a collaborating school staff and community to provide computers and internet access to the homes of students who do not have these things. Obviously computers are more costly than pens, paper and books, but communities often come up with large pools of money for all kinds of needs. Why not our children?
Jasmine
Interesting topic girls, I have never really thought about it! As teacher we find different levels of academic success within our classrooms and we can accommodate to these levels with different resources. I don't know how I would address different levels of computer knowledge, other than to have students work on projects such as power point while I work with the students who don't know how to create a power point. If possible, one idea might be to have a computer or two in the classroom with a list of tasks that students must do to show what they know and to practice valuable computer skills. Students could work on the computer during free time, lunch, after school in hopes of providing them with computer time that they might not get at home.
Tammi
Well Done Sarah and Ange!
Very unique and interesting. I loved this blog because technology is a sign of wealth. In my primary practicum, some students who were able to afford computers/games felt superior to those who could not. I believe that if we educate students of the resourcefulness of technology not the material components, students can feel comfortable.
Natalie, I appreciate your suggestions and outlook on this issue. You're right in that it is akin to field trips and getting kids there. I agree, that it is our job to teach students, and as Mela said, technology is a part of our reality, so we should be aiding students in learning about it. Access at home, or lack of access, does not define whether a student will be proficeint in technology, but it may explain why one might be aprehensive around it.
Thanks for your comments. Sarah
The digital divide does not only go between students but rather teachers and the students. At malaspina (VIU) we have been taught the importance of having a strong technology background when we enter the school system. I find it funny, because most of our professors don't have a clue about technology, except Mike of course. I think it will be the same when we go into the schools and teach. There will always be students who know more and also students who could care less about technology. Therefore there should be a balance between technology use and traditional teaching methods.
Jackie
My first year at Mala was a prime example of the " digital Divide". All my first year assignments were hand written. Fortunately computer labs were accessible and my experience with technology grew. I have witnessed primary students helping each other in their labs and have found that the divide was quickly closed as they coached each other. If only I could have learned as quickly as these young students do. I suspect that the younger you are the more willing you are to try, perhaps it is because have less fear of the technology.
Patti
This is definitely a reality for many schools. As teachers, we should not assume that all students have computers at home, and even if they do, that they know how to use it. Just like any other subject in school, do a preassessment and find out what your students know and what they are familiar with from using computers at home. Then, again just like any other subject, differentiate the learning objectives for the students. Those who are very comfortable using computers will be starting at a different point and maybe with a different task than those who need to start with the basics.
The "digital divide" is a very interesting concept, and one I have not really put much thought into. When I used my web quest last year in practicum I did not even think about those students who would not even know to click on internet explorer. Luckily, everyone in the class knew what was going on. Especially with younger students it is always a good idea to walk through the whole process step by step, even if it is review for most.
- Clay
I too had not given much thought into the digital divide. I agree with Dayna, the best way to find out is to do a pre-instructional assessment. For younger students send home a couple of questions for parents (what is your child's comfort level with the computer etc)? For older students perhaps just get them to write a short paragraph about their strengths and weaknesses on the computer. The only way to find out about the "digital divide" in your classroom is to ask!
~Lindsey
Very nice article. I believe that a socio-economic divide will exist in every aspect of school, even beyond computer use. As we have learned, we must be ready to face such challanges with appropriate adaptations and extensions for students who do not have the same skill levels as their peers. We cannot control what exposure they are getting at home, however we must be able to assist each learner's needs through a variety of methods. Perhaps Billy simply needs a pictured set of instructions beside his computer in order to relieve some frusteration.
Interesting topic! I have experienced this with a few of my students last year. I never thought about the Digital Divide in that context before. Before teachers assume that all their students have computers and know how to use them, maybe do a survey at the beginning of the year, it can even be anonymous as some students might feel shy or embarrassed, to find out who has a computer at home, who has internet at home, how can use word perfect etc on the computer to gauge where their students are technology wise.
Just as with any other lesson or subject we teach, there will be students who fully understand the topic, and those who have never had experience with it before. We must plan to provide those students with extra support to develop their skills and increase their access to the available technology. If doing a survey at the beginning of the school year it would be a good question to have students answer if they have access to a computer at home, that way you would know in advance who may need extra support, or time available after school or at lunch to work on the computers.
-Alyson
Very good topic... and very relevant! I think that we will have to pre-assess our students on the computer just as we would any other subject. Then we can plan effective lessons to adjust to all levels of computer learning. WIth the digital era upon us, we will have to be careful not just assume that every student will be computer literate. If certain students need extra help, we need to take that into consideration.
Brianne
I had never heard of the term "digital divide", but in this day and age of computers and technology in the classroom, there is a whole new slew of words that are being created to describe what's going on with technology and how people interact with it. This doesn't surprise me either that there are some areas where the students do not have access to computers in there homes, and I think that it is something that gets overlooked when preparing lesson plans, because the assumption is that everyone will know how to navigate on the computer. Excellent topic!!!
Kimmy
Excellent consideration.......you are so right, everyone expects that absolutely everyone has access to a computer, and chances are that most people do. However, there are even some of those who have access that are not totally comfortable with nor do they like using computers. I too experienced a very frustrated student in secondary school who was lacking in computer skills and I really felt for him. As teachers we need to be aware that not all students embrace today's technology and we need to be able to say "that's okay", and then find ways to allow for other methods for students to present their knowledge and abilities............we are after all striving to "teach to the needs of every individual student". Great topic!
The socio-economic varience in our classroom is totally out of our control as a teacher. The best we can do for this gap is to offer the students as much resources as you can, especially technology. I think that this gap is best bridged by offering an abundance of computer/technology time as possible at the younger grades. START YOUNG!
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