Technology has become an essential part of modern education and is increasingly becoming a critical tool for teaching and learning. However, one of the most pressing issues in urban public schools is the technological divide between students with access to technology and those without access. This divide disadvantages many urban students, limiting their ability to succeed in school and beyond. At The Scribes Institute, we are committed to addressing this issue and finding solutions to bridge the technological divide, ensuring equal access to resources and technology for all students.
A lack of resources often drives the technological divide. Many urban schools face additional costs that suburban schools do not face and need more infrastructure to support the implementation of technology. These additional costs are often a result of higher populations, homelessness, and a higher concentration of children with special needs because of a much larger population. Additionally, many families in urban areas struggle financially, making technology a luxury they cannot afford. Many students lack access to basic technology, such as computers or high-speed internet. This digital divide can not only hinder students’ academic progress but also their future career prospects.
To bridge the technological divide, we propose implementing several solutions. The first solution is to allocate resources and funding to provide technology infrastructure and resources to schools and students in urban areas. This could include providing high-speed internet access and devices like laptops or tablets for students to use at school and home. Teachers also need a variety of educational software and applications readily available to support online or blended learning.
Another solution is to provide professional development opportunities for teachers and staff. This will ensure that the teachers are skilled in using technology and that they can develop programs that help students benefit fully from technology in the classroom. Professional development opportunities can include tutoring and training sessions on using technology for teaching, as well as identifying resources to incorporate in their online classes.
Additionally, we suggest partnering with organizations that specialize in providing digital resources to schools and underserved communities. Such organizations can provide both funding and technology resources to schools, supplementing their existing technology infrastructure. Partnering with these organizations also facilitates opportunities to integrate technology into the curriculum, ensuring that all students have access to software and instructional resources.
Finally, creating mentorship programs for high school students taking technology as a course could not only inculcate in them the skills they need to learn but also help them mentor their younger peers. This would not only provide an opportunity for students to develop their technical proficiency but also offer peer support to access technology resources.
Bridging the technological divide in urban public schools is necessary to ensure all students can access the technology needed to succeed. As an educational institution, we must develop innovative solutions to address this issue, using a combination of funding, training, partnerships, mentorship, and infrastructure upgrades. A future with equal opportunity for all students, regardless of income, hinges on this. At The Scribes Institute, we are dedicated to providing creative solutions to bridge the technological divide and ensure that all students can access technology irrespective of their economic status.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, October 2, 2023
References:
- Warschauer, M., & Matuchniak, T. (2010). New technology and digital worlds: Analyzing evidence of equity in access, use, and outcomes. Review of Research in Education, 34(1), 179-225.
- U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology. (2017). Reimagining the role of technology in education: 2017 national education technology plan update. Retrieved from https://tech.ed.gov/files/2017/01/NETP17.pdf
- Warschauer, M. (2011). Technology and social inclusion: Rethinking the digital divide. MIT Press.