Closing Down the Digital Divide

When computers were first introduced in schools a lot of educator's thought that this is the tool that will level the playing field for most students.  Computers have allowed students to gain access to more information resources, help children with poor motor control to write legibly and even allow schools strapped for cash to do virtual field trips.  Sounds wonderful doesn't it?

When you work in public schools today, it's easy to see which family has money and who doesn't.  It used to be harder to tell, but technology has widened our social divide in most places.  I'm talking about gear.  Not shoes, or special backpacks, but mp3 players, computers, ebook readers and phones.  Students bring these items to school and show off their prowess using the latest tools. Creating what I call gear envy.  Students who see these new tools want to use them too, and don't understand why their school doesn't have access to these tools.

Schools unfortunately, find themselves falling farther and farther behind in integrating new technologies into lessons and assignments.  Part of this comes from funding problems.  One of the first places that school boards look to when reallocating funds are libraries and technology departments.  These departments support student learning, so school boards and some administrators don't see their direct value to students.  Especially if your library and technology department have flexible teaching schedules. So how do you improve your student's access to new technologies?

First you have to give your teachers and support staff access to new technology and professional development on the use of these technologies.  Applying for technology grants (Title IID, private foundations and some corporate entities) can sometimes help with funding issues, but grants are usually limited to gear or service providers.  Grants for infrastructure upgrades, additional personnel or professional development are few and far between.  These things have to come from your community.   How do you get your community to see the value of investment in technology? A simple solution is to involve them in your decision making process.

People who are involved in decision making processes will be more invested in the outcome.  How?  There are several ways really.  Are there evening programs coming up in your school? Use these programs to showcase new technology.  When people ask how it was done and they will, explain the tool and it's value to education.

Keep it simple, but advertise.  Write to your paper and showcase new technologies being used by students.  Show off student projects on local cable channels or on the web.  Encourage student participation in local technology contests. Emphasize the positive with web brags on student achievement to your community.

Invite community members to participate in strategic planning for your school.  Make a school technology plan part of the strategic plan for your district.  This kind of comprehensive planning is essential for infrastructure building and professional development.  Keep your focus on student needs.  Don't let people make it negative or turn the spotlight away from student learning.   What every community wants and needs is for their children to become productive members of society.  By keeping the focus on student needs, you deliberately remove road blocks and close down your digital divide.

-AMA