Running head: DIGITAL DIVIDE

An Ed Tech Issue: The Digital Divide

Jamie Brumlow
EDU352: Foundations of Educational Technology
Instructor Sill
March 15, 2015

DIGITAL DIVIDE

2
An Ed Tech Issue: The Digital Divide

The issue that I have chosen to discuss is the digital divide. Students access to
technology can vary greatly from school to school. Roblyer and Doering (2010) discuss how this
issue has raised concerns on whether this is deepening the economic chasm between different
socioeconomic statuses. The last couple of decades have shown incredible increases in
technology use among Americans. However, there is still a divide that remains. This divide can
be seen among different ethnicities, disabilities, incomes, and demographics. We want to provide
students with an equal education, so it would make sense to be able to provide them with equal
access to technology.
For many schools resources are scarce and the cost of technology cannot always be
supported. When spending decisions are made, many schools fear future shock. For example;
new technology is ever changing. If a school sacrifices resources in order to invest in a new
technology, how will they know if in the near future that technology will not be taken off of the
market or replaced with another expensive technology? This would put any school, especially
those that are on a tight budget, in a tough spot. Not only does the school have to pay for an
upgrade or replacement, but it also has to consider the cost of training and IT support. Edutopia
(2013) discusses how there is now a new kind of digital divide. On one side, there are those that
have savvy technology professionals and the high-speed connections that can support WiFidependent tablets or laptops (Edutopia, 2013, p.1). On the other side, there are those that lack
basic internal support structures for individual devices and do not have the funds to purchase
them for every student. Along with this divide, there is another divide between parents who can
support their childrens technology use and learning at home, and those who cannot. With these
issues, it seems impossible to ever be able to close the gap.

DIGITAL DIVIDE

So how can we bridge the digital divide in schools despite the issues around funding and
resources? There are many teachers that are forced to provide their own technology supply or
provide administrators with alternatives. Harvey (2014) discusses some considerations that
teachers should keep in mind when attempting to integrate technology into the classroom. One
way is through BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). However, the school will need to be supported
with a wireless internet connection and knowledge about the devices being used. Another option
is through leasing programs. This allows students to lease a device when they do not have the
opportunity to purchase a device. I also found some different organizations, such as Network for
Good, that have a mission to close the digital divide. They allow individuals to make donations,
volunteer, or donate their old computers in order to provide underprivileged students with
computers and computer skills. Computer labs can also help. Instead of having a computer for
every individual student, teachers can work together with their time in a computer lab. I also like
the idea of providing parent with resources, such as a public library where computers and
internet can be accessed. Harvey (2014) also discusses how other factors such as building a
technology environment, being open to technology, professional development, and allowing
students to lead technology use in the classroom will all help support the bridging of the digital
divide. With all of these options there is always going to be considerations to keep in mind, and
they may not always work for everyone. In one hand, bridging the gap may never be fusible. On
the other hand, there may be ways that we can help in the process.

DIGITAL DIVIDE

4
References

Edutopia. (2013, January 3). Bridging the New Digital Divide. Retrieved from
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/bridging-the-new-digital-divide-lori-day
Harvey, B. (2014, July 2). Bridging the Digital Divide in Classrooms. Education Week.
Retrieved from
http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2014/07/02/ctq-harvey-digital.html
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2010, July 20). Top Ten Issues Shaping Todays Technology
Uses in Education. Retrieved from
http://www.education.com/reference/article/ten-issues-shaping-today-technology/
For more information on the digital divide and its impact on education, I have provided the
following resources:
Garland, S. (2014). Why Its So Hard to Close the Digital Divide in High-Poverty Schools. NBC
News. Retrieved from
http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/in-plain-sight/why-its-so-hard-close-digital-dividehigh-poverty-schools-n129726
Steele-Carlin, S. (2000). Caught in The Digital Divide. Education World. Retrieved from
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech041.shtml
Tarman, B. (2003). The Digital Divide in Education. Retrieved from

DIGITAL DIVIDE
http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED508213.pdf