Digital Divide

“Digital divide” is a term that has evolved over time. In the past, there was a divide because wealthier families and districts could provide their children with computers at home and a variety of programs at school, while low-income families and poor districts could not.

Now, mostly all school districts are equipped with computers and software. However, it seems as though the low-income districts are depending highly on technology for learning, problem solving skills, and drilling instead of technology being used as a reinforcement and aide in these areas. It’s important that these low-income districts also have highly-qualified teachers that can instruct and teach students the skills they need to know.

Also, there is a digital divide between genders. In McGrath’s article, “Closing the Gender Gap,” she explains the issue of “how” girls are using computers compared to boys. The genders usually have different interests and girls may learn how to use certain softwares (etc) in a different approach.

No matter how advanced technology becomes, it can never replace the value of a teacher. While technology and softwares are a wonderful tool, it should support the teacher. It also can encourage learning, creativity, and reinforce and strengthen skills. However, highly-qualified teachers can do the same. Teachers foster learning, thinking, problem-solving and many other skills. By knowing how to incorporate technology and software into their own lessons, using it as an aide/reinforcer and not to entirely teach a lesson, they will create a highly-qualified learning environment.