The Digital Divide

This week I was introduced to a tool on the web entitled VoiceThread, which enables asynchronous conversations amongst a group of people.  I really enjoyed using this tool this week and can visualize many educational conversations that could take place within a group of classmates.  I particularly love how the comment can be recorded with the contributor's voice, an image of the contributor is apparent and a visual that the contributor chose on his/her topic is evident.  It simply makes it a more personalized conversation when you can hear the individual's voice and see his/her face.  I also think it is fantastic that the comment could be made via text because if an individual does not have access to a microphone, that person can still participate.  If an individual is unable to speak or has difficulties speaking, that person can still participate.  It seems to be a tool that is universally designed to be accessible to a wide range of people.  Furthermore, once a thread was begun by a classmate, I like the fact that others could add a comment to the thread.  And, once again, the picture and voice of the person commenting is right there.  A link to our voicethread about the digital divide follows.

https://voicethread.com/?#u2445396

Our topic this week was the digital divide and how it has changed over the years.  This topic was very interesting to me.  Truthfully, I have never given much thought to the situation and was unfamiliar with the term digital divide.  After much review of this issue throughout the week, I really gained a better understanding of a very important educational issue.  What once was a divide on who had access to technology and who didn't, is now a divide on what kind of access people have.  The introduction of internet access via cell phone has brought many groups of people, African Americans and Latinos particularly, into the world of the World Wide Web.  Although cell phones are wonderful pieces of technology and it really is amazing that they have brought internet access to so many people that otherwise would not have it, they are primarily used for entertainment.  It would be so difficult, if not impossible, to use a cell phone to complete a research paper, to apply for jobs or to update a resume.  People need access to a computer.  They need to know how to use the computer in order to empower themselves.  This education has to begin at a young age.  Teachers need to know how to incorporate digital education into their classroom curriculum and routine.  And, finally, teachers need to provide all students with this education.

Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants

There is most definitely a disconnect between what have been named digital natives, those who have grown up immersed in technology, and those of us that are called digital immigrants, people struggling to catch up to the digital phenomenon.  After watching an interview with Marc Prensky (Interview with Marc Prensky), I definitely agree that there needs to be a balance between the teaching of essential skills like linear reading and writing and the usage of technology in the classroom.  If we, as educators, fail to connect with today's youth by ignoring the importance of using technology in the classroom, then we are failing our children and simply not preparing them for the future.  Teacher's need to continue to strive to progress digitally and incorporate technology into their regular and daily classroom routines.

I loved the Open Letter to Educators (Open Letter to Educators) by Dan Brown.  I found him to be interesting and convincing.  The fact that he dropped out of school because he felt like his school was getting in the way of his education was thought provoking.  Have the needs of our students (particularly the older ones) changed so much that teachers are simply not prepared to educate them?  I don't believe so.  I think that by using the same skills and teaching methods that educators have used, but altering them to make them more current, our children can be reached, ignited, sparked and encouraged to learn.  We have to use the tools that are native to them, that they are comfortable with and that they enjoy using, to make them excited to take on the challenge of school.  We have to make sure that the way we are teaching is in line with the skill sets that our children will need in the future.  Technology is definitely a huge part of that!

In my video, a high school student, Ryan is frustrated with the way his teacher, Ms. Jones, is teaching her class.  She simply is not up to date with current technology.  Ryan confronts her and challenges her to make assignments that are more digitally creative.

Ryan Confronts Ms. Jones

About Me

I graduated from Miami University with a BS in Special Education and Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement. My first year, I taught at Sanders School, which is an amazing school in Wayne Township for children with severe emotional handicaps. We then moved to Florida where I taught for 3 years at a public school in Bradenton. I had a Pre-K Varying Exceptionalities classroom. I loved it! I enjoyed being an introduction to school for most of my little ones. I strived to make my classroom fun and highly educational so that my students would learn to enjoy coming to school every day. I also loved how unique all of my students were, each with many different abilities and needs. It made each day a challenge and a joy.

Since then, I have been a mother to my 3 handsome sons and a wife to my husband. I have truly enjoyed these years at home with my children.  I have subjected them to many of my units and lesson plans that I used while teaching preschool.  We are constantly reading, doing crafts and fun projects and simply experiencing life together.  My youngest son is almost old enough to go to kindergarten, so I am taking 2 courses this semester to renew my teacher’s licenses. I will probably be looking for a position this fall.  I adore teaching and look forward to getting back in a classroom!