Digital+Access.

Digital Access

Definition: Full electronic participation in society

This section of the text presents the fact that there are many students and staff members that do not have access to the technological tools necessary to be active members of the digital society. Socioeconomic status, disabilities, and physical location are just a few of the most common reasons why they do not have access. The following are some things we can do to close the gap that currently exists:

• Encourage frequent use of technology in our classrooms • Provide open computer lab time before and after school • Evening access to school libraries • Providing special equipment for our special needs students • Provide free wireless connections in our local communities

This section of the text also discusses some of the reasons why more is not done to meet the technological needs of some of our students. At the top of the list was the amount of money that is involved when attempting to meet these needs. It is made very clear that more needs to be done. As was stated in the article, “teachers and administrators need to understand that technology will be important to the future of all students, not just a chosen few.”

Comment: In the Avon Grove community, the public library is attempting to provide some of the access recommended in your chapter. The library has received a grant and is using it to expand their offerings with regard to technology - reaching out to all in our community, especially after school hours and during the summer. (Pat McK)

I would love to provide time after school on the Internet and using other pieces of technology with students who do not have access to technology at home (Leigh Anna)