What is Equitable Digital Access?
-Equitable Digital Access refers to the notice that every student in any public school classroom in the United States should have the same digital opportunity as all other students. Euitable Digital Access means more then simply providing devices and connectitiby; it means giving every student the same opportunity to learn from teachers who understand how to use technology to both enhance learning and create quality learning experiences for all students. Digital Access is defined as "full electronic participation in society". This includes access to technology such as IPods, computers, cameras, and laptops.
A Rise In Technology
Technology has had a drastic impact on today's society. Technology has helped people of all ages at home, school, and work. Students are able to communicate with their peers at school and from home which helps enhance their education. Most schools today are equipped with up-to-date computer labs or centers, different forms of technology for individual students in the classroom, or the school will allow students to bring their own devices for educational purposes.
How do schools get the funding for ditial acces?
Many schools districs attempt to provide all students with access to technology through local funding. Another option schools have for funding is local and federal grants. The teacher, principal, or school librair can write a grant stating what they have a need for their students and often times are given their requested materials. Some school encourge their teachers to use organization grants such as Donors Choose in an effort to get the materials and devices they need without denting the budget of the school district. Local school's PTA have fund raisers to raise money to put in the school's technology budget.
Ideas to Ensure Equitable Digital Access:
- Create a classroom schedule for students to use classroom computers, internet, iPads, etc..
- Set a timer during use so that students know when to rotate to allow all students the opportunity to use technology.
- Choose which students will use the technology by placing in alphabetical order, student number, groups or any other method of grouping/organizaing your students.
Additional Information for parents and students:
- Digital Access-Digital Citizenship: are you a digital citizen?
- What is Equitable Access?
- Equity through Access: 21st Century Learning & the Ncessity of 1-to-1
- Five Equity Questions Every Parent Must Ask During Back-to-School Night
- 10 Stratgies for Promoting Digital Access and Equity
References
Ark, T. V. (2017, March 1). 10 Strategegies Promoting Digital Access and Equity. Retrieved from Getting Smart: http://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/03/10-strategies-promoting-digital-access-and-equity/
AspireClarkville School. (Aug, 5 2013). Digital Access. AspireClarkville School. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/7NmtPoVUX2U
DeVaney, L. (2010, March 16). Digital Access, Collaboration a Must for Students. Retrieved 03 25, 2019, from eSchool News: https://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/03/16/digital-access-collaboration-a-must-for-students/
Howdeshell, C. (2015, 5 2015). Equitable Access and Adaptive Tech. Youtube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/-at0XaQymiM
James, P. (2011, Apr 20). Is Any Access Good Access. Retrieved from Equitable Digital Access in Rual School: https://www.slideshare.net/pjames04/is-any-access-good-access-equitable-digital-access-in-rural-schools
Nemroff Pictures. (2014, Jan 28). Technolgoy in Education: A Future Classroom. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/uZ73ZsBkcus
Roscorla, T. (n.d.). 3 Examples of Successful Digital Learning in High-Poverty Places. Retrieved from Converge: http://www.centerdigitaled.com/k-12/3-Examples-of-Successful-Digital-Learning-in-High-Poverty-Places.html
Unknown. (2015, 08 24). Equitable Access. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/bKnuQ2