Question

Does Technology Create a Divide between the More and Less Fortunate?

A teacher assigns a research paper that requires students to read several articles on the web. A school requires that all students type papers on a computer and submit the papers using email. While these may be valid ways to integrate technology in a curriculum or to help instructors manage their classroom, they assume all students have ample access to technology outside of school. School districts that assume all students have computers at home place less fortunate students at a further disadvantage. These students may have to stay after school to use a computer or study at the local library to access the Internet. Students at school districts in disadvantaged areas may fall further behind if the school is unable to provide access to the technology taken for granted at other schools, including interactive whiteboards and dedicated technology specialists. These discrepancies are known collectively as the digital divide, a term used to illustrate the gap between those with and without access to technology.

With the recent widespread growth of mobile device users, some aspects of the digital divide are closing. Students can email and do research on Internet-capable mobile devices, as well as access education-related apps. Mobile device capabilities, however, are limited. You cannot use a mobile device to write a research paper, prepare a resume, or submit a college application. Some companies and organizations are trying to provide better access. One cable company provides low-cost Internet access to families who receive free or reduced school lunches. Schools can apply for technology grants to purchase classroom computers. These grants may be able to provide access to students, but if no one can teach the students or their teachers how to use the technology, it may not solve the problem.

• Is it the school's responsibility to provide an even playing field regarding technology access? Why or why not? Should schools be allowed to require students to use technology? Why or why not? What steps can society take to narrow the digital divide?

Answer 1

It is certainly school's responsibility to provide an even playing field regarding technology access.If school gives an assignment to students which is dependent on technology then not all students might have access to it,which means certain students will not be able to complete their assignments and they will score less or it might even affect their confidence level.

Schools should be allowed to require students to use technology because it is undeniably a medium through which learning process could be enhanced and by which students can increase their knowledge.With help of technology students can watch videos and movies on subjects that they may be studying about right now.Now a days there are so many applications which help students clear their concepts in very simple manner ,making learning a fun activity.

Below steps can be taken by society to narrow digital divide:

1. Provision should be made by schools so that students can complete important assignments which are technology dependent during school time itself instead of staying back late after school.

2.There should be centers where student can get access to technology either free or at very low cost.

3,Building low cost technologies so that it can be made accessible to everyone.

4.Free/low cost workshops to educate people on technology.