Equal Access to the Digital World

"All teachers must provide equal access to the digital world to all learners."


In a world that has been consumed by the expanding reach of the hand of technology, teachers need to be able to provide students equal access to the digital world in order for students to be able to compete on an equal playing field for the jobs of the 21st century.  Due to a variety of variables and ability (or inability) to fund programs, schools have always had differences in what is available to students and teachers have had to use their talent and creativity to make sure that the students will be able to compete.  The inequalities are growing even more vast and the 21st century employment opportunities are changing even more rapidly.  Within education the current work force is divided between educators that are not familiar with the digital world, but with a great wealth of teaching experience, and inexperienced teachers with innovative and creative ideas, there needs to be a bridge so that these teachers can collaborate to properly prepare students.  Teachers need to provide a vehicle in which students are are allowed to access a digital world. 


Change is nothing new to the world.  Throughout the course of history those who can adapt, innovate, and grow have been successful.  The world is an ever changing place and we are in the midst of a massive change in education.    Teachers need to collaborate and harness the power and versatility of the digital world so that students have more exposure, are more engaged, and are not disadvantaged.  Teachers need to ensure that all students have access so that they are prepared and not left behind.  If only half of a school has access to the digital world in the classroom, then those students with that access have a greater advantage over the rest of the students.  School districts need to ensure that the schools have adequate infrastructure to support access to the digital world and teachers need to bring technology in their classroom.  This does not mean sitting a class full of students in front of some laptops to type a paper.  It means that teachers should utilize their online programs, interactive lessons, social networks, digital white boards, interactive tools and assistive technology as part of their regular day-to-day learning activities.  When teachers provide this type of access to the digital world only then will the students be able to compete in the 21st century.