Defeating the digital divide

Abstract

In my personal experience I witnessed a discrepancy between what was available to schools and students from high and low socioeconomic areas. This made me wonder about their access to digital technologies, specifically how the digital divide affects education and how I can help as an educator. Using information from background research, an anonymous survey completed by my peers and current teachers, and an interview with an expert, I was able to conclude that digital technologies are an effective educational tool used to enrich students’ learning experiences. This can be achieved using a variety of different strategies and tools, including Smart technology, tablets, video blogs, and experiments. Educators should participate in professional development opportunities to help lessen the digital divide. This in-depth knowledge will give them the skills to effectively use digital technologies in their classrooms. Schools can also ensure students have access to technology to balance any lack of access at home.