Create a blog post that includes information on how schools can ensure the equitable access of

digital tools and resources for all students

Have you ever thought to yourself, I wonder how many of my students have computers at
home, or How do my students complete technology related homework outside of school? I
have and in many cases in my district, the answer is that they dont have computers so they
struggle completing technology based homework outside of school. So how do we help our
students have equitable access to technology? Why is it important? Researchers have found data
that despite the narrowing gaps in access to computing tools at home and at school as a function
of demographic variables, there is a growing concern that new information technologies may
contribute to further inequalities along economic, cultural, or gender lines because of differential
uses, attitudes, or skills with the technology. (Barron 2010)
I think that one major way is to ensure that the teachers all have equitable access to technology.
If our teachers cant get the technology they need then how do we expect our students to get
what they need? If our teachers are always worrying about how they are going to get
information out to their students, then how can make sure that their students are receiving what
they need? We first need to make sure that our teachers can get what they need when they need
it. Next we can worry about ensuring equitable access for our students.
Since we cannot mandate that every child have a smart phone or computer, even though that
would make life easy, how do we make sure our student are all having the same opportunities to
use technology? School, parents, and communities all need to get on board in order to truly have
equitable access for all students. Researchers have found data that indicates that parental
involvement in schools positively impacts student achievement, reduces student absenteeism,
increases graduation rates, improves student attitudes and behaviors, and increases student
enrollment in secondary education. (Hohlfeld 2010)There are several different ways we could do
this. Schools could allow students to check out technology so that the student and family
members have access to the technology and programs. Communities could get in on the action
by having libraries, labs, and resources for the students that could be checked out for home usage
(Hohlfeld 2010). The school could leave the library open before and after school so that students
can use the technology provided there. Teachers could make sure they allow for ample time in
labs and the library during class time. Teachers need to make sure that they are practicing safe
technology uses and introducing the new technologies to our students. With more and more of
our students using computers and soaking up every bit of new information, it becomes crucial
that we teach students at a young age how to use technology safely and how to learn how to use
new technologies as they emerge. Here is some data for you
11% of children ages 0-8 have used a cell phone, iPod, iPad, or similar media device
22% of children 5-8 use a computer once a day while 46% use one once a week
52% of children ages 0-8 have access to a newer mobile device at home
Most children start playing on technology devices at the age of 3 and half
51% of children ages 0-8 have played on a video game console (Common Sense Media
2011)
Some of these data points surprised me. I would have thought that with the rate of the
technology growth, that every child would have played on a phone or video game and that every
child would have used a computer. This is an equitable access problem. These children who
havent ever used a computer by the time they enter school are going to be very behind those

who have used it every day since they were 2. We need to get help from the parents, community
members, and teachers in order to give technology access to every.
Common Sense Media. (2011) Zero to Eight, Childrens Media Use in America. Found at:
https://kennesaw.view.usg.edu/d2l/le/content/456070/viewContent/10046426/View
Barron, B., Walter, S., Kennedy, C.,Schatz, C. (2010) Predictors of Creative Computing
Participation and Profiles of experience in Two Silicon Valley Middle Schools. Computers and
Education Magazine. Edition 54. Found at:
https://kennesaw.view.usg.edu/d2l/le/content/456070/viewContent/10046428/View
Hohlfeld, T., Ritzhaupt, A., Barron, A. (2010) Connecting Schools, Community, and Family with
ICT: Four Year Trends Related to School Level and SES of Public Schools in Florida. Computers
and Education Magazine. Edition 55. Found at:
https://kennesaw.view.usg.edu/d2l/le/content/456070/viewContent/10046427/View4

http://lizzywinslett.weebly.com/1/post/2014/04/equitable-access.html
Sean,
It did not occur to me to go find the most recent study from the 0-8 article. I am so glad that you
did! That truly is an incredible increase in statistics! I had no idea about the AAP
recommendation. It is interesting the parents are allowing their children under 2 to play with
technology even when the doctors say that they shouldnt. You pose an interesting question
about the digital divide growing as children adapt. I think that it definitely will increase the
divide. As children with a higher economic status get technologies early and they get the newest,
hottest version, the children in the lower economic status will be greatly behind the learning
curve set by the others. I think that you have some really great ideas about how to create
equitable access. Does your school currently implement these? Would you school or community
think about implementing any of these?
Lizzy Winslett
http://seanlewis9.weebly.com/1/post/2014/04/equitable-access-to-technology.html