Equal Access

"How can we, as teachers, provide equal access to the digital world to all students."

Within that context I first notice the word all, as in all students. Equal access to the digital world for all students does not seem like an easy task. As a matter of fact, equal access to anything for ALL students is not easy. Not every student is going to be on the same level, including financially and in regards to their level of intelligence. However, we as teachers have more power to do such a thing. For example, say we have a classroom of 30 kids. In 2009-2010 (I know no statistical proof) I would imagine that no more than a 3rd of the class had no access to a computer; worst case scenario. However it seems logical when we say 'Everyone has a computer,' but that is NOT the case!! In worst case scenarios, some kids are certainly not going to have access to a computer! It would probably be few and far between, depending on location, but it is still real. Inner city kids at least have access to public transportation and usually live walking distance from a library, but with suburban and rural kids, it's a different story. If there is no access at home, they have no access out of school. On the other spectrum but at the same time, we will have students who possess the latest means of the digital-world at their fingertips. Depending what age, students may have Blackberrys, other PDAs, cell phones, Ipods, internet, games, etc, etc. So we as teachers can provide equal access to the digital world, by offering it in our classrooms!! My idea would be to incorporate the digital world in our lesson planning and by (if possible) offering separate time allotted focused on just the digital world. We would also need to ensure that the children whom are already digital-savvy are not surpassing the kids just exploring. Creating a way for all children to learn from this is better than (i.e.) 'free time.' I think that giving kids time to do whatever they want is great, but if we wish to provide equal access to the digital world, giving them an hour to 'surf the net' is not a logical means to provide equal access. Equal access to me is not just being 'allowed' to utilize something, such as the internet in this case. Equal access means my entire classroom are equal learners. Teaching the kids how to use the digital world for their benefit, safety, appropriate fun and education is how we can provide equal access. This means that even the less-fortunate children in your class will not only have literal 'access' to the digital world, but he/she will be learning about what it is and how to appropriately incorporate it into their lives. This means that your entire class is provided with equal access on the same level. There is no racial and/or social class gap because all of your kids are learning how to use something simultaneously. If there are any special education students in the classroom, they too will benefit. They may need additional support, but it certainly will captivate their attention. Anything digital is already of interest to kids, so that is a stepping stool in forming an interest to them. The digital world is exciting and educational, and should be incorporated into education, since it has been incorporated into our lives!