Journal #6

Social Justice: Choice or Necessity?
Colleen Swain and David Edyburn

In this article, Swain and Edyburn discuss how technology use in the classroom is sometimes used for the benefit of a few students while alienating a large number of students. They point out that it is important for all students tho have access to technology because according to the U.S. department of Labor's SCANS report indicated that in the next twenty years, at least 80% of the jobs available will require workers to have compentency in technology. They also point out that if access to technology is not equitable for all students, they will have to work at jobs that do not provide the benefits that could be attained by better paying professions. The authors go on to give strategies that teachers can use to make technology play an integral part of their classroom instruction and at the same time provide the necessary access for students to enrich their knowledge base and prepared them for the future.

1. How can I make technology available for students who have special needs?
I could research and implement instructional and assistive technologies that would address the particular needs of the student in question. For example, If I had a second grade student who was having difficulty making the correct association between the sounds and the symbols of a language (phonics), I would differentiate my instruction by including an instructional technology that would enable my student to practice and learn this important concept in an interesting and interactive way. This will allow my student not only to learn how to use technology but also will help him/her to keep up with the rest of the students by the knowledge that has been attained.

2. What is the Digital Equity Portal and Toolkit and how can it help me in my classroom instruction?
The digital Portal and Toolkit is a resource that educators can access that includes about 150 strategies and resources that help students bridge the digital divide. Some of the resources include websites where computers can be purchased at prices below retail. Another resource includes free or open software which can be used to bring technology into the curriculum. As a result, my students will benefit by learning material in various ways that will make learning a more enjoyable experience.