Equal Access

Equal access to technology is a very important topic to discuss. In the years to come our students will be exposed to and expected to navigate and utilize many new types of technology. They are going to be expected to be comfortable with using technology that exists as well as adapt quickly to changing and expanding technology. Therefore, providing equal access to students through education is very important because students who do not have access to technology will be at a disadvantage.

I can think of a few things to do in order to create equal access to technology. First of all, we can incorporate technology as much as possible into our lessons at school. This way we are slowly introducing it to students over time and allowing them to learn to incorporate it into their every- day lives. This leaves the issue of what to do for students who may not have access to computers or technological equipment at home. The last school that I substitute taught at had a computer club that met after school a couple of days a week. This club allowed students to use the internet for educational purposes. In some schools there are technology based clubs such as: podcast club. These clubs allow students to get together and become creative about technology. They give them access to video cameras and editing equipment that many of them may otherwise never get the chance to use. Schools could also increase student access to technology by obtaining and lending out technological equipment to students through the school library just as they would do with books. Many libraries offer free computer courses and free internet access. If students and their families were made more aware of these resources then they may utilize the services more. Schools and libraries could bridge this gap by working together to promote and establish educational technology programs that are relevant to students’ lives.

Another important point to discuss regarding equal access is how to provide access to students in developing countries. This is a very important issue as well. Many of the problems in the developing world have a lot to do with misinformation and lack of communication/education. Technology is essential to bridge the communication gap we are faced with concerning developing countries. It is also an easy way to bring free information and education to their doorstep. Programs such as 1KG are a great solution to this problem. Developing more of these types of programs would be extremely beneficial to create equal access to technology for the developing world.