According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (2010), in 2007 there were 671,859 homeless people in the United States alone. And, this statistic does not reflect the impact of home foreclosures due to the recent economic recession. Even in a country where many consider access to technology ubiquitous, if one has no home, technology is often beyond his or her reach. The World Wide Web necessarily takes a back seat to those without safe and secure shelter. Technology is not one of the basic tools needed for survival. Or, is it rapidly becoming just that?
Thornburg (2009) believes access to technology a local reality, not a global one. I would take his thoughts one step further and pose that access actually has a much narrower window; that our local reality is actually an individual one. I would suggest that access to technology remains, unfortunately, an individual privilege based on socioeconomic status, culture, level of education, and even gender in some societies. Therefore, schools, public libraries, and community centers must provide opportunities for people to gain online access to housing information, education, career information, and social contacts. If communities, through a strong tax base and advocacy programs, provide high speed Internet access in the schools and public arenas then it will surely help narrow the digital divide. If, however, schools and communities neglect to provide computer-related services, then the residents will surely fall further behind the digital curve, and the socioeconomic curve, too. The bridge crossing the digital divide will continue to be a tenuous one.
Soloway (n.d.) suggested that smartphones might help level the technology playing field. The affordability, portability, and prevalence of smartphones make this technology a key ingredient in making the world flatter. One needs not have a permanent residence to own and use a smartphone. The pervasive presence of cellular towers, and 3G coverage in many communities, allows equal access to technology-related services. In addition, I would suggest that the open sourcing of Web sites would further flatten the playing field. It will break down barriers to resources and knowledge. Free and public use of information and materials will help those without means to communicate and create on par with those who do.
Yet, access is not enough. As educators and leaders in the field, we must teach, train, encourage, advertise, and facilitate users throughout the process. We should be aware of emerging technologies and willing to adopt those that suit our needs. We must make technology easy and efficient to use in order to lessen the intimidation factor. What is transparent and second nature to digital natives remains foreign, fearful, and magical to those with little to no computer skills. It is incumbent upon those with the means and skills to share their knowledge with others.
Very nice post Anne!
ReplyDeleteI think we forget sometimes just how important it is for our local libraries and schools to provide technological access. I thought it was a very powerful point that you made when you stated: "If, however, schools and communities neglect to provide computer-related services, then the residents will surely fall further behind the digital curve, and the socioeconomic curve, too." I think we as a community--not educators, forget that when a child learns, it not only affects that child, but his family and friends as well, because of the interactions that take place.
I hope I said this right, but I really think that the statement that you made says so much!
Thanks,
Regina
What a great post. Your information was wonderful. I feel that technology goes with the old saying, "It takes a village to raise child." If a student is not able to get the needed resources at home, then it is up to the local government, schools, etc. to provide the skills that are neglected. The biggest problem that the students in Memphis face is that the parents can not financially provide the resources and the city government are cutting out programs such as the libraries, boys and girls clubs, etc. As a result, students are turning towards violence. Politicians are not looking at the effecting factors when they decide to make these particular budget cuts. Crazy!!!
ReplyDeleteNikisha
Anne, I agree with your thought about access to technology an individual reality. While I was waiting to get an oil change this evening I was walking around Walmart. I ran into a student and her mother and friend. We were talking about online homework and the friend asked what we do about those that do not have computers. I understand not everyone has the luxury of owning a computer, but our students can go to the library on post or the youth services and use the computers. The problem is the parents do not take advantage of the opportunity. I somehow managed to get in a lengthy conversation and I ended up saying that when I get to tell parents to stop buying the $40 cartons of cigarettes, and the high-priced shoes and clothes and to start caring about their child's education and know they would listen will be one of the days I will never forget. How can we change the world, if we can't change out community? Anne, I think of all the countries that are represented at your school and what a wonderful opportunity you get to share the experience of using technology in such a wonderful learning environment.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being such an inspiration to me and others around you. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles.
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