Post to your blog specific digital divide issues that you may have in your classroom setting and possible solutions.
Although we have not completed a formal survey, I believe from discussions with students and teachers that our student population has access to technology. Access to computers at home with high speed internet does not seem to be an issue. We do, however, keep access in mind.
There are three computer labs in our school, so teachers can reserve a time on any given day and take their class to the lab. During this time, students are able to accomplish the classroom assignments.
Individually, students have access to computers during their study hall everyday, either in the library, or in one of the labs.
We did offer before and after school lab time a few years back and there was little or no demand on most days. Due to the lack of interest the program was cut.
Although computer access is not an issue, we are weak in other areas. For example, we are in the process of adding digital cameras, video cameras, mp3 players, gps, and other technology to our collection for students and staff to have in school access. We are also adding SmartBoards to classrooms as the funds become available.
Due to tight budgets, monies raised through Parent Booster Club fund raising events cover the costs of these items. So we continue to do what we can.
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I like that you begin your comments with computers, but you moved on to include other types of resources for students and faculty. As the technology changes and evolves so rapidly, school leaders need to constantly identify "needs" and "wants." For example, in the past I've thought of a SmartBoard more as a nice tool, but not absolutely necessary within a classroom. However, now that I see them completely integrated, I better understand how they can truly change teaching and learning. For some classrooms, they may be more of a "need."
ReplyDeleteNancy, we seem to have similar digital divides. Classroom use of technology is at a premium. We are trying to be creative to link technology to our students under the economic constraints we face. We will have to be patient in implementing what we learn in class with our students.
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