Educ 5353 Blog 1: Digital Divide
Hello! My name is Liz Henderson. I am an RTI Supplemental Curriculum Specialist at my school district. A very short description of what I do is help the teachers in my district utilize intervention supplements to drive targeted interventions based on individual student data, where the goal is for students to expedite growth to reach grade level. My district is a large charter school, with the majority of our students working online at home. Their teachers meet with them regularly, either via Zoom meetings or in person at a designated location provided by the district.
Due to the nature of our school, students are provided with not only a computer but also a MiFi device so they can always have internet access to do their work. Though this system isn’t foolproof, it does mostly alleviate the problem of access. Our demographics show 49% minority students, and 73% of our families qualify for free or reduced lunch (National Center for Education Statistics, 2023). Since we provide technology to all of our students, there is less of a concern about the digital divide of access.
Since my school already provides access to students, I think I might like to focus on the families. I have noticed while working in my district (and from my own experience with aging parents) that while some individuals possess a high degree of digital literacy and can confidently navigate the internet and utilize technology effectively, others lack the necessary skills and knowledge, creating a significant gap in technological proficiency. Most have access and a basic understanding of how to get on the internet, but they lack the understanding of how to use a lot of the tools available. Tutorial videos are great, but only if the families can understand how to get to them. Frustration is a common theme between families and teachers when there is a chasm between them in their understanding of technology.
Research shows that parents (or guardians) who are involved in their children’s education positively impact outcomes (Report - the Positive Relationship between Family Involvement and Student Success, n.d.). If we can address some of the digital divide that comes with those lacking digital literacy, we can get families involved beyond logging onto a computer. In Digital Divide: Impact of Access, they discuss the terms “second-level divide” and “deepening divide.” These terms point out the problem that digital inequality doesn’t just end by providing physical access (Van Dijk, 2017).
If we can help families learn more about using technology, they can become better partners in their kids' education. This will not only help students learn more but also improve the connection between parents and the school. Our goal is to make sure all students have the same chances to succeed, no matter how much money their family has or how much they know about using computers. We want to create a fair and welcoming learning environment for everyone.
National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). National Center for Education
Statistics (NCES) Home Page, part of the U.S. Department of Education. Ed.gov; National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/
Report - The Positive Relationship Between Family Involvement and Student
Success. (n.d.). Www.pta.org. https://www.pta.org/home/run-your-pta/family-school-partnerships/National-Standards-for-Family-School-Partnerships/Report-The-Positive-Relationship-Between-Family-Involvement-and-Student-Success
Van Dijk, J. A. G. M. (2017). Digital Divide: Impact of Access. The
International Encyclopedia of Media Effects, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118783764.wbieme0043
Hi Liz,
ReplyDeleteIt's clear that you’re passionate about making a difference for both students and their families. Focusing on equipping families with the skills to effectively use technology is a great idea that will have a significant impact. Not only does this align with research showing the importance of family involvement in student success, but it also has the potential to strengthen relationships between families and schools.
I look forward to seeing how your project develops. Good luck!
Hi Liz, Thank you so much for explaining what you do for your school district. What an awesome position to hold! I love that your district has found a way to truly leave no child behind! I think that its great that your district continues to provide access to wifi and a device! These are trying times for schools and prioritizing the basics is essential!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome topic you selected! Honestly, really thinking outside the box! Such a helpful and much needed topic. I feel like unfortunately, grandparents and an older generation are having to raised their grandchildren. They aren't as familiar with technology and are literally zero help to the student! Seriously, great job filling a real need!