Chapter 4 Post

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Chapter 4 Journal Post

10/3/12

The focus question I chose is: What are “digital inequality” and the “participation gap”?  Digital inequality pertains to students from low income families and developing nations who do not have access to computers or the internet.  Many of these students are Hispanics and African American.  The student’s only access to a computer is during school hours or at the library whereas in affluent countries, such as the US, many students have their own lap tops, iPads, smart phone, etc., they all the access and privileges to this technology at their fingertips. The participation gap is having no access to computers or internet puts these low income students at a great disadvantage.  Professor Henry Jenkins sees great differences “between what students with 24/7 access can do and what students can do when their own access is through the public library or school computer,” as stated in “Transforming Learning with New Technologies” textbook.  In my opinion, this is very true and relevant. Learning using technology is fun and exciting; however, a teacher needs to teach technology keeping in mind that not every student has a computer or internet in their home. This needs to be kept in mind when preparing lessons using technology.

 

Tech Tool 4.1 Edutopia:  This website is very interesting. I enjoyed surfing around on it!  http://www.edutopia.org/  It’s broken down by grade level, community, core strategies, blogs, video, and even has sections for Arts and Drama along with Special Education. I saved this as a favorite in my Delicious account.  Personally, I am enjoying this class; the content and tools that I am learning will help me on my way to being a better teacher.

 

  

Chapter Summary: I enjoyed reading this chapter; its real life.  It began with a discussion on teachers and their use or non-use of technology.  Many teachers, I believe, are fearful of technology and not open to learning new technology.  Personally, I intend to embrace technology to reach my students.  Using technology to make learning exciting, relevant and, most of all challenging students beyond their comfort zone but still keeping in mind that not all students have 24/7 access to computers or internet.  These students are already at a disadvantage so we have to keep this in mind when planning any lessons using technology.  Teachers can use technology to tackle tough subjects like history or literature, subjects that students may not be completely invested in. Using http://www.edutopia.org/ for example to teach Government, a topic that will typically put many students to sleep. Using this technology to teach would be more of a game than a rigid lesson plan that would benefit both the student and the teacher.