Key Points:
It’s a mistake to think that all students have the same access to technology. According to the U.S. Census, 90 percent of U.S. households subscribe to broadband internet and 95 percent own a computer, but that doesn’t mean that children are learning to use these technological tools appropriately. To do this, technology must be accessible in the classroom.
Unfortunately, not every classroom in America is adequately equipped to educate students with advanced technology. Schools across the nation must reform to ensure equitable technology access and give students and teachers the education and benefits they deserve.
Why do kids need technology in the classroom?
“When I went to school, there were no computers in the classrooms.”
“When I was in school, we were lucky that our teachers had overhead projectors.”
“I remember a time when students weren’t even allowed to use calculators at their desks.”
This sentiment is common among older generations, many of whom believe that kids in K-12 classrooms don’t need technology to learn. And to some extent, that’s true: students have long been learning advanced concepts without the aid of advanced technology, and teachers can continue to teach without devices like computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards.
But just because you don’t necessarily need technology in your classroom doesn’t mean it’s not useful. Technology has transformed education for everyone involved. For teachers, technological tools help simplify classroom management, personalize learning, and deliver a quality education to all students. For students, technology increases engagement, improves collaboration, facilitates communication, and makes learning overall more enjoyable.
Additionally, giving children access to technology from an early age will equip them with the tech skills they need when they enter the workforce. Technology isn’t going away; rather, workers need increasingly advanced tech skillsets to succeed in careers across industries. Early access to technology in its various forms, and in an environment that supports practice and experimentation, will help children develop the understanding and capabilities they need to succeed in higher education and beyond.
What is equitable access and why is it important?
Many schools have technology available in the classroom, but not enough of it. Even schools that offer some technology support in the classroom may not provide a quality experience: they may not have enough devices for all students, or the computers, internet connections, and digital content may be outdated and underperforming.
The result is a digital divide between students who grow up knowing how to use computers and those who don’t. Students who don’t have access to technology at school most likely don’t have it at home either. Unfortunately, the digital divide tends to affect students from marginalized communities the most, and it will only worsen these students’ educational and socio-economic outcomes, likely for the rest of their lives.
While all students have a right to an education, that doesn’t mean they have equal opportunities. People with different family incomes and racial backgrounds don’t have the same opportunities. Educational equity is the first step to solving the problem, and providing equal access to technology is essential to achieve this.
How can schools improve technology accessibility?
Extremely tight budgets and the high cost of technology can make it difficult for schools to provide equal access to technology to all students and teachers. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help schools make it easier to implement technology into the classroom.
Government resources to improve digital access. Government initiatives such as the federal E-rate program and Section 4 of the Every Student Succeeds Act can provide the resources schools need to acquire technology for the classroom. Some programs help schools provide digital tools at home, such as laptops, tablets, and even internet access. Schools should also consider grant funding available from state and local governments and private foundations.
Partner with technology companies. Many great organizations are always looking for ways to give back to the community. Schools can partner with companies that can donate funds or technology tools. Local companies may not have as many requests, but larger corporate partners may be able to provide more resources. Education administrators may consider multiple partnerships to fully fill technology funding gaps.
A systematic plan for implementing technology. It is usually not enough for individual schools to meet their own technology needs. School district administrators must ensure that all students and teachers have access to technology tools in the classroom. A systematic plan that includes policies for equitable access can help direct action by administrators and educators.
Decades into the 21st century, students need to be technologically literate and skilled, and that means classrooms need to be equipped with tech tools. If schools work hard, they can give students and teachers greater access to the technology they need, bringing the United States closer to closing the digital divide and achieving true equity for all.
By Sam Bowman, Contributing Writer
Sam Bowman writes about people, technology, health, and how they all intersect. He enjoys being able to harness the power of the internet to serve his community without actually leaving his home. In his spare time, he likes running, reading, and combining the two with a run to his local bookstore. Connect with him on Twitter at @Sam LBowman1.
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