Week 7- Digital Divide- 2 Hours

1.    Arrange a visit to your cooperating teacher's classroom.
2.    Observe the technology being used by the students.
3.    Interview the classroom teacher, ESL teacher, SpEd teacher, or Tech teacher by asking the following questions:
o    What is the digital divide?
The digital divide is the difference of those who have access to technology and those who do not. I really focus on those who have access to a computer and internet than those who have access to a device such as a phone or an iPad because I feel that students really need to learn the skills that come with using a computer, and a fair amount of my students do not have access to computers.
o    Is a digital divide occurring in this school? Explain.
The digital divide is occurring at our school. We are a title one school, and have many low-income families here. Not all of them can afford technology, even though it is more affordable. Sometimes, families need to choose the necessities over the wants. I do see that most of my families have a cell phone, so students are exposed to these technological devices, but cell phones cannot do everything that a computer can. So even though they may be familiar with using a cell phone, they are limited when it comes to navigating a computer.
o    Do all students have access to technology? Explain.
Not all students have access to technology. I can tell when students have access to a computer and those who do not. Those that do have access to a computer know how to navigate already. They can use a mouse, or a pad, they know how to use the internet and a keyboard, and they can quickly navigate their way through sites, and games, and videos. Those who do not have the same access struggle more. They need more support and more instruction. They are also slower at getting the same things done. This means they waste more time on using the computer than using the tools that would benefit their learning.
o    Are all students in the school given equal access to technology? Are there some groups/grades/populations that have more or less access?
All students are given equal access to technology. We all have the use of iPads, and classroom computers. We also have a school computer lab that can be used by students who need to complete projects, or a teacher can check out the computer lab for the whole class to use. This comes in handy when we are working individually instead of in groups. All classrooms also have access to other tools that can aid in instruction such as projectors, and document cameras. Our ELL students, or those who are pulled out for support do use technology during those times, so they may have more exposure than other students, it just depends on what instruction in the classroom looks like for the day.
o    Do all teachers in the building use technology effectively?
There is always room for improvement when it comes to using technology in the classroom. Teachers need the support and training when it comes to using technology, and how to best use the tools available to them when creating lessons. Some teachers have had a harder time embracing technology in the classroom, while others use it effectively. Teacher here are great at sharing their resources and helping each other out when it comes to technology, and administration offers training classes throughout the year on implementation.
o    What technology does the SpEd/ESL teacher use with their students?
We use our iPads with students for a lot of instruction. All of our SpEd/ESL students either meet with a teacher individually or in a small group, and each student is given an iPad to use during their instructional time. We also still utilize tools that are not technology as well, but the ESL students really benefit from programs on our iPads that are in multiple languages and provide symbols for understanding and meaning.
o    How can educators help to level the playing field?

Educators need to give students opportunities to use technology in the classroom. They need to give more support to those students who do not have access outside of the classroom, so they do not fall behind their peers. Schools should offer computers to those who need them. This way the burden is not on parents to get students to a library or to try and buy a computer, so they complete their work. If teachers are using tools so students can collaborate outside of the classroom, they need to make sure those tools can be used with mobile devices. This way all students have a way to participate. 

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