As a leader in educational technology, my primary goal is to continue learning about the latest technology and in return educate my community. Unfortunately, everyone is not able to buy the current technological gadgets and tools, but there is no law that states that obtaining knowledge about these tools are prohibited. The future consists of our students. Parents, students, and the faculty that teach these individuals need to be aware of how technology is the center of the earth in the 21st century. Students need to be in constant contact with technological tools. Schools need to use governmental resources and funding to provide students with as many technological advantages possible. Parents need to become more involved in their child’s education and become their advocate to their local school district.
As far as gender, cultural, and socioeconomic status unfortunately, these are all factors that educators cannot change. What educators can change is providing these individuals with valuable tools that can assist in each student changing their particular status in the future. Technology knowledge is a driving force within the employment market. People want the next generation (Soloway, n.d). Educators need to take the educational approach of No Child Left behind in Technology.
Additional Reading:
The World Bank is an organization aimed at ending poverty within developing countries. Their mission is to fight poverty by providing resources (which may include technology tools), building a partnership, and sharing knowledge/wisdom about their environment. Please check this out
http://www.worldbank.org/
Sources:
Soloway, E. (n.d.). The digital divide: leveling the playing field. Retrieved from: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/14936/CRS-WUEDUC8812-3730077/EDUC_8848_PK_Transcript.pdf
Nikisha, Once again, you have provided a good list of causes and solutions to problems related to the digital divide. As educators, it is incumbent upon us to be aware of emerging technologies and be willing to creatively share them with others. We must remove the mystery from the virtual world and make it a safe and comfortable place for others to visit. Although I agree, we cannot change the socioeconomic (and other) factors that present barriers to technology, we can certainly mitigate these problems at school and in our communities. We should not be passive to the needs of others; we should be proactive on that front.
ReplyDeleteNikisha, You are right about providing the students with the tools that cause change. I always liked the movie "Something About Bob" where the doctor tells the patient to take baby steps to adjust. We have to take those baby steps if we want attitudes to change and to make a difference.
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