Morse and the Technological Divide

I suppose none of us can really argue the importance of learning computer technology use skills in today’s society. It is interesting to think that children today may face as many struggles in attaining an equal education as those who experienced Brown vs. Board of Education. By discussing the idea of fairness in the learning of technology by today’s students, Morse reminds us just how difficult our jobs really are. Though computers are a wonderful tool for our students today, offering what appear to be limitless opportunities in learning, they can also present another barrier in our already socially divided society. Morse raises many good flags for teachers to be aware of. For instance, the integration of technology into the curriculum is extremely important. Without integration, it seems to me computers will remain a mystifying concept to young children today. For example, Morse suggests the negative affects of using computers in the classroom as merely a reward for good behavior or incentive to complete other work.

Morse talks a lot about the social divide between minorities and the rest of society in their learning styles, abilities, and access to computers. Here at SOU I have seen a small glimpse of the software, as well as internet tools available for people with learning disabilities. I’m sure we all realize there is a vast amount of wonderful resources available in the world. The problem I see, which seems to me will not be resolved anytime soon, is the availability of technology in the classroom. As Morse suggests, teachers can get all the training they want, but if we don’t have up-to-speed computers in every classroom in America, there will always be a digital divide. Let me give you a personal example. While taking education classes in Eugene I got to visit a technologically equipped elementary school. The school had received a grant allowing every student in the school to essentially rent a laptop for the year. All textbooks and many assignments were on the laptops. I sat in on a class and saw third grade level work in progress on the computer. These kids were incredibly lucky to see the technology integrated into their curriculum. Of course some teachers in some classes used the computers more than others. The problem is, what about students in schools at the opposite end of the spectrum? Many third grade students at Phoenix Elementary are lucky to have thirty minutes a week in the computer lab to take tests.

Essentially, as educators, I think it comes down to doing our part in serving each student as well as possibly, as Morse says. We have to take what is available to us, as little as it may be, and use it the best we can. This means getting training if training is not provided in our education or through our district. This means seeking out time in the lab if computers are not available in the classroom. This also means working to demystify technology for all ethnicities, abilities, and socio-economic levels of students. Seems like a simple task, right? :)

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