Technology Accessibility for Students

There is no denying that technology is integral in our current society. With this in mind, we must decide if it is necessary for schools to be a facility in which students learn how to use these tools. If we are working on preparing students to face the modern world and be successful in todays job market than I would say yes, it is entirely necessary we use all means at our disposal in order to give all of our students the tools they need to be able to succeed, and that includes a strong knowledge of how to use computers and computer software.

As I stated before we must make this possible for ALL students, and that is where the main problem comes to light: what is to be done about the students who do not have computers of their own? If we are teaching classes in computer literacy but our students do not have the tools to do this work at home, how are they going to succeed? Some people believe that for this reason it is unfair to teach these subjects and there for forgo all of computer tech classes, but this puts everyone at a disadvantage. We should not sacrifice the education of all because of the challenge of a few.

Instead we should figure out ways in which to take those who are without with us. Teachers have the option of staying after school or coming before in order to work with students on the computer. Another solution is always to have students get their own library cards, but this is an option that teachers may also have to take an active role in. The teacher may need to research libraries near the student to make sure they have access to them. Yet another option could be to make all assignments due in class. This would mean constructing a very well thought out lesson plan and managing time extremely well.

All students have their disadvantages. Some are raised with parents who do not take the time to help them with math, reading or any other subject for that matter. Some are not able to buy the right shoes for gym class. Some have issues that keep them from learning as effectively as others. If we make these same students participate in all the classes they may have disadvantages in, why would we not work to have all students involved in the learning of computers? Especially when research, such as the one in the article "who are today's learners" we find that most all families, even low income families, still have computer access. It is a tool that is almost more important than math now because, well, it can do it for us. It is especially important to note that a lot of computer software itself comes ready to work with people at different levels- this includes ESL, IEP and TAG students. Much of it allows for differentiation, something we are always fighting for.

So it is the teachers mission to find ways of challenging students to use computers often, in different ways, and then allow each and every student the opportunity to have hands on experience with computers. And in order to do this first of all we must have the computers in the schools. This means teachers and administration doing research and fighting to obtain these necessary tools for their students.