Equal Access to the Digital World

What does it mean to provide "equal access to the digital world"?

Dear Parents,

Being in school the 21st century has allowed a totally different learning environment to prior times. Students today are able to use technologies that their parent's teachers never even dreamed about having or using. Technology has allowed teachers to reach students of all different backgrounds, learning styles, and disabilities. Teaching in an urban school district, it is important for me to take into consideration my students access to technology at home. In order to compensate for a potential digital divide, students will always have time to work on projects that involve technology in class. Although I cannot guarantee enough class time to finish, there are always resources available for your students (such as the library at lunch or during a study hall).

While in the classroom, I am in control of student use of technology and I can assure that each student has access to a computer. However, just because a student has a computer in front of them, does that mean they will all learn from the same program? No. Each one of my students learns in a different way. It is my job to use programs for students that can be varied to best fit their learning style and learning needs. For example for a visual learner, I may provide them with a variety of visuals (PowerPoint, videos, diagrams). For a linguistic learning student I may provide them with an article of the material. For a ELL student, I may provide them with text to speech software to review an article. For students who have difficulty performing hands on laboratories, I may provide them with a simulation that can be manipulated on the computer.

Technology has allowed wonderful advancements in the field of education. Technology allows all students to succeed no matter their learning style or learning ability. If you have any questions about how your student is using technology in the classroom please feel free to contact me!!