Equitable Technology
Accessing the ISTE
Standard I
There is an inspiring quote that I use in my 4th
grade classroom from Disney’s Meet the Robinsons. The quote is taken from Walt
Disney himself. “Around here, we don’t look backward very long…we keep moving
forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and
curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” This resonates with me as I try to
answer my trigger question on “How can I integrate more use of web-based products that can be more
equitable for all children.” I am quickly learning that some kids have to no
choice but to keep looking backward because those new doors don’t open for
them. In my head, I have a vivid image
of students on one side of a window with access to technology and on the other
side I see students looking though while only being allowed to be a spectator
in a quickly evolving culture of technology.
Though I didn’t find the answers I was looking for in my article, I did come
up with a possible solution; an Integration of technology within our curriculum.
We do such things when we, as teachers, try to integrate art education with our
students. It is the only way students will be able to experience visual arts
while learning how to read and write. This same concept can be done with technology.
In my learning circle, a teacher had a wonderful idea of integrating the My Story
application to give her English Language Learners an access point to reaching
the target. Her article that she shared shows how it is possible to integrate
technology. In the article is says that “By using multi-media technology toincorporate pictures or video in the lesson, the teacher can provide studentswith the necessary contextual cues to understand new concepts” (Brozek andDuckworth). In this, another classmate suggested
the use of a mind map application that gives students access to brainstorming
in a virtual world. All this can be done within an instructional block of reading,
writing, or even math.
The International Society of Technology in Education Standard 1 is clear
in the facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity. Currently, I
devote less than 1-2 hours a week to technology integration in the classroom. I
need to find more time to integrate the use of technology so that equity is accessed
for all kids.
References
Brozek, E. and Duckworth, D. Supporting English Language
Learning Through technology Retrieved from https://www.nysut.org/~/media/Files/NYSUT/Resources/2011/March/Educators%20Voice%204%20Technology/edvoiceIV_ch2.pdf
Hi Conrado, I do agree with you that one way to over come the inequitable technological resource accessibility is to incorporate those lessons within school curriculum time so that the resources they need can be provided by the school. This will also allow them to clarify with their teachers and peers about how to use those tools as they probably would not have been exposed to it at home.
ReplyDeleteHi Conrado!
ReplyDeleteI hear you with the struggle with students and their access to technology. I work at a Title 1 school where a lot of my kids come from very low income families and don't have access to computers at home. I applaud you on your positive mindset to try and incorporate MORE technology time within the classroom for all your students. Time is so valuable in our classrooms and trying to make everything "fit" can be really challenging. But technology offers an excitement and newness for our students learning environment. They are engaged and love it!
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Conrado :)
ReplyDeleteI just read on another post from Alyssa about the My Story program. It seems highly engaging for the EL's (and regular ed students as well). Very growth mindset. Excited to see application. Thanks for sharing!