As a leader in educational technology, I feel the first step in addressing the digital divide is aligning technology to essential needs. If a technology does not address or meet the needs of any demographic group be it gender, cultural or socioeconomic then that technology is not of any value. A laptop may not meet the needs of a community when a cell phone will meet the need. Once needs have been identified then education is the key to closing the digital divide. Rather than just focusing on providing equipment, we need to focus on developing the skills and knowledge needed to use, maintain, and further develop technologies (CTER, 2007). It is sometimes very disheartening to see students with the physical equipment and but still remain at a disadvantage due to the lack of support.
Another critical factor in bridging the digital divide is not only technical support but community support as well. Utilizing a holistic approach to individual and community engagement with technology by seeking to first identify local interests, and then determine how technology can support those interests provides needed community involvement (CTER, 2007).
CTER, (2007). Digital Divide and Education. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php?title=Digital_Divide_and_Education&oldid=26510
Thornburg, D. (2009). Diversity and Globalism. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from August 21, 2010 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4199715&Survey=1&47=5828341&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
One thing that really stood out to me from this module's resources was how unfair it is to expect different cultures to use the same types of technology. Common sense dictates that the technology must fit the culture, yet it still needs to be stated, otherwise the technology is ineffective! I saw a commercial of some company giving a laptop to a school in an African village. I remembered thinking wow, this would be really cool if companies would make these donations. However, if it is not followed up with education on how to use them, and why they are useful to that village, it's just a waste. I think that we have to be reminded to be responsible in our thinking and expectations of bridging the digital divide!
ReplyDeleteNice post!
Hi Shauna,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Support is certainly an issue everywhere. If the technology does not work and there is no one to repair it, it is useless. Your CTER reference was very interesting. Thank you for sharing that and for a great learning community this quarter!
Sincerely,
LeAnn :-)
You made some excellent points. Training and support of technology is indeed crucial. Sadly, necessary training and support for tech. educators is getting scarce. We get the equipment; then the institution can't afford to provide us with adequate training. Thank you for all of your great inout this quarter and I wish you much success.~Wendy
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