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Equity

11/9/2013

2 Comments

 

Teaching at Title 1school with over 55% of our students on free and reduced lunch, I see the issue of equitable access to technology first hand very day.  The students at my school come from both ends of the soci-economic spectrum along with being from over 40 countries.  With technology becoming ever more integrated into education and learning, schools must be the first place to ensure equitability.  “Schools may be a critical component in developing community technology centers for empowering and educating economically disadvantaged communities” (Hohlfeld, Ritzhaupt & Barron).

One way my school works to being a technology center for the community is it offers seminar and classes throughout the year for our parents about various computer and technology skills and safety, in addition sometimes the courses given in Spanish.  Our media center is open throughout the school day if our parents need access to a computer.  Students are able to use computers in the media center before and after school and during their lunch if they need to work on assignments which require computers.  I also allow students in my classroom to use my technology tools during the same time.  If a student does not have access to computers or internet at home, I will work with them to ensure they have enough time and access to complete their work.  

Our school district is working to ensure a 1:1 device for our students.  It is a slow process but at the same time our school is working separately to try to get more technology in our student’s hands.  Along with having three computer labs and two computers in each of our classrooms our school purchased two iPad carts this year, being a Title 1 school allows additional funding for such needs.  I have worked with teachers in requesting funding from outside source such as Donor Choose.  In the last month, we have received 10,000 in technology assistance we over 20 new devices at the school.

Along with increasing access at school, home access plays an important role in student’s development.  Findings have shown that students with greater home access have a correlation positively to standardized reading achievement scores, math scores and grade point average (Barron, Walter, Martin & Schatz, 2009, pg 186).  Internet Service Providers (ISP) such as Comcast and AT&T offer service to family who individually cannot afford full services.  My school district is currently working with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to allow the district to be a provider of internet services to our students whether at school or home.  These types of services will further close the gap in students experience with educational tools.

While understanding the role in which technology plays in student’s learning today and wanting all students to have access, at the same time, I do find it disheartening, when some students do have access to a smart phone or a tablet but not to more pressing needs such as proper clothing or food.

References

Hohlfeld, T., Ritzhaupt, A., & Barron, A. (n.d.). Connecting schools, community, and family with ict: Four-year trends related to school level and ses of public schools in florida. Computers and Education, 55(2010), 391-405. doi: doi: 10.1016/j.compedu.2010.02.004

Barron, B., Walter, S., Martin, C., & Schatz, C. (2009). Predictors of creative computing participation and profiles of experience in two silicon valley middle schools. Computers and Education, 54(2010), 178-189. doi: doi: 10.1016/j.compedu.2009.07.017

2 Comments
Jessica Webb link
11/17/2013 01:15:24 am

Christa,

It sounds like your school is making great strides to provide all students with equitable access of technology tools and resources in the classroom as well as in their homes. Just as you stated, research shows there is a strong correlations between students with access to technology tools at home and academic success. The way your school serves as a technology center for your community is a great way to provide your students and their families with equitable access. It’s important to teach parents the importance of technology and the effects it can have on career and college readiness of students in the future. I commend your school for providing parents with classes and seminars on technology tools and safety. This is definitely the first step in bridging the gap of the digital divide.

It seems your school is really trying to get students with the devices and tools they need to become technologically literate, but what about your staff? Has your staff received any professional development to learn how to effectively incorporate the iPads they have recently received? Professional development is also a key factor in providing equitable access to all students. We must ensure that all students are using technology in a meaningful way in the classrooms. Equitable access is a difficult task but I think your school is headed in the right direction. I applaud you for your great efforts and innovative ways to provide your students with the technological tools and resources they need.

Reply
Christa
11/29/2013 01:47:58 am

Yes, our school is very strong in regards to professional development in regards to technology. In fact this year, I am teaching one less content course to be dedicated just to technology. Our teacher received iPads during post planning, I did help sessions over the summer for them along with hosting brown bag lunches every other week. We have also had people from our county office come in as well.

Reply



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    Author

    Christa Evans Heath
    Educator and Technology Specialist

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  • Home
  • Meet Christa
    • Centennial High School Learning Commons
    • Centennial High School Makerspace - The SPaCE
    • Contact
  • Resume
    • Education >
      • KSU Specialist Portfoilo >
        • Introduction
        • Video Reflection
        • Vision
        • Diversity
        • Capstone
        • Blog
        • Field Experiences
        • Standards >
          • Standard 1 >
            • 1.1 Shared Vision
            • 1.2 Strategic Planning
            • 1.3 Policies, Procedures, Programs & Funding
            • 1.4 Diffusion of Innovations & Change
          • Standard 2 >
            • 2.1 Content Standards & Student Tecnhology Standards
            • 2.2 Research-Based Learner-Centered Strategies
            • 2.3 Authentic Learning
            • 2.4 Higher Order Thinking Skills
            • 2.5 Differentiation
            • 2.6 Instructional Design
            • 2.7 Assessment
            • 2.8 Data Analysis
          • Standard 3 >
            • 3.1 Classroom Management & Collaborative Learning
            • 3.2 Managing Digital Tools and Resources
            • 3.3 Online & Blended Learning
            • 3.4 Adaptive and Assistive Technology
            • 3.5 Basic Troubleshooting
            • 3.6 Selecting and Evaluating Digital Tools & Resources
            • 3.7 Communication & Collaboration
          • Standard 4 >
            • 4.1 Digital Equity
            • 4.2 Safe, Heathly, Legal & Ethical Use
            • 4.3 Diversity, Cultural Understanding & Global Awareness
          • Standard 5 >
            • 5.1 Needs Assessment
            • 5.2 Professional Learning
            • 5.3 Program Evaluation
          • Standard 6 >
            • 6.1 Continuous Learning
            • 6.2 Reflection
            • 6.3 Field Experiences
      • Blog
  • Presentations
    • Freedom to Explore NCSS 2014
    • Gateway to Diplomacy NCSS 2013
    • Let’s Get Personal: Be the Champion of Your Student’s Personalized Learning Path - GAETC2016 >
      • Formative Assessments Presentation
      • Pre Assessment
      • Symbaloo Lesson Plans
      • Blendspace
      • iTunes U
      • PlayPosit
      • Post Assessment
      • Formative Resources
    • Let’s Get Personal: Use of Office 365 and Creation of Digital Student Portfolios >
      • Choice Boards
      • Sensory Figures
      • Collaboration Space
      • Portfoilo Resources
    • Pushing the Boundaries- ISTE 2016
  • Technology Lessons
  • Resources