In today's world, some people have an advantage over others due to access to technology. With technology growing so rapidly, the future is centered around its influence. Those people who have technology and internet access in their homes have a better understanding of how to use it, and use it effectively. Coming into a classroom with the prior knowledge and advantage wedges an invisible "divide" between students. As teachers it is our job to close that gap and give all students an even playing field for them to prosper.
Having students at different ability levels is a common hurdle that teachers have to learn to work around when planning lessons. Technology is adding another aspect to this problem. Some students have computers and Ipads at home that they use on a regular basis. Others only have a smart phone to allow them internet access. This creates a great disadvantage for the latter. When assigning homework, teachers cannot assume everyone has the resources to create a word document, power point, or even to look up a video online.
Students with access to the internet have an endless supply of information at their fingertips. Other students may only have access from a cell phone or at a local library. The time and experience spent with technology can impact how the readiness a student has to enter into the work force. Employers are looking for people who will be able to work with technology like its second nature. They want young people who grew up with technology and the truth is, that not all young people do.
Teachers need to bridge this gap by providing access to their students as much as possible and teaching every child the basis of technology use so their knowledge can grow from that. Teachers should provide opportunities to let them discover new possibilities that technology has to offer. If every student has a basic knowledge of how to use technology for everyday life and a knowledge of how to learn more, their future outside of school has a greater potential.
Statistics:
74% of women and 80% of men have internet access in developed countries.
37% of women and 41% of men have internet access worldwide.
48% of people 15 and older use a smartphone.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sarah! I completely agree with your thoughts about the use of technology at home. As educators it is easy to assume that all students have access to different forms of technology which is not the case. If technology is going to be a big part of our future and our job as educators is to prepare our students for their future, I feel that teaching with using technology is extremely important! Giving students access to technology in schools is as important in the event they do not have access to much at home. Technology integration in the classroom has so many benefits! Great video to start off your post!
ReplyDeleteTiffany
Lethbridge, AB, Canada