Element One: Digital Access
Learning Objectives:
After this tutorial, you should be able to:
- Define digital access.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital access.
- Explain how you can apply the access element in an
educational setting.
- Define digital access.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital access.
- Explain how you can apply the access element in an
educational setting.
What is Digital Access?
Digital access is defined as full electronic participation in society (Ribble, 2015). Unfortunately, there are many groups in society who do not have access to technology due to financial reasons, disabilities, or it's not available where they are located. Schools and public libraries are the most common places for people to access technology when it is not immediately available. Although schools can be the primary source for students to access technology, many school districts lack the financial resources to provide enough computers or tablets. There are some rural school districts who lack access to the high-speed internet connections that are essential for web browsing, etc. (Ribble, 2015).
Issues with Digital Access
Educators and administrators need to evaluate whether they have adequate technology access for their students and make sure they incorporate and encourage technology use in the classrooms. Special needs students often require special tools or equipment in order for technology to be more accessible to them (Ribble, 2015). Again, many public and rural school districts lack the funding to provide up-to-date technology, let alone specialized equipment. Schools need to ask themselves, "Are we doing everything we need to be doing to prepare our students for the future and for jobs that will most likely require technology skills?"
Addressing the Issues
According to Mike Ribble, the technology trends of minority groups have shown gains in the adoption of the internet and broadband (2015). One area in which minorities have exceeded their white counterparts is in cell phone ownership and use (Ribble, 2015). Most of the cellphone capabilities minority groups use centers around social media, text messaging, and surfing the internet. The trend of mobile technology is a growing and this can provide new opportunities for access. Bringing awareness to school districts' technology access issues will allow schools to explore solutions like one-to-one computing or "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) where students can bring their own devices to use from home (Ribble, 2015).
NPR Radio Broadcasts
NPR BROADCAST #1
February 6, 2016
How Limited Internet Access Can Subtract From Kids' Education
3:34
This NPR broadcast discusses the problems low-income families face when there is no internet access at home, must use a mobile device to access the internet, or rely on free wi-fi offered by various businesses.
NPR BROADCAST #2
June 29, 2011
Closing Digital Divide, Expanding Digital Literacy
8:14
Closing Digital Divide, Expanding Digital Literacy
8:14
This NPR broadcast discusses how black and Latino youth are using their cellphones' internet access to bridge the digital divide.
NPR BROADCAST #3
September 12, 2011
Comcast Offers A Digital Lifeline to the Disconnected
3:57
Comcast Offers A Digital Lifeline to the Disconnected
3:57
This NPR broadcast discusses how the cable company Comcast offers low income families internet access for less than $10.00 a month to help students access resources needed for school. The cable company's stipulation was that the government would approve of their merger with NBCUniversal.
References
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know. Eugene, OR: International
Society for Technology in Education.
Society for Technology in Education.