Digital Divide Essay Example for Free

Digital Divide Essay The term digital divide emerged in the mid-1990’s to describe the gap that exists between individuals who have access to technology and those that do not have access (Eamon, 2004). Computer technology has transformed modern society in profound ways (Behrman Shields, 2000). Everyday society exposes citizens to technology in some form. Citizens integrate technology into common tasks such as signing into work, paying bills, shopping, paying taxes, and even reading the local newspaper (Behrman Shields, 2000). The increasing integration of technology into society cause school systems to be more resolute about including technology in every classroom. School leaders generally agree that access to technology prepares students to succeed in the 21st century (Bell, Judge, Puckett, 2006). Other researchers point out that increasing access to technology in the classroom environment does not ensure academic improvement. These researchers point out that there are limits to the advantages that technology offers. A meta-analysis by Crismann, Badgert and Lucking (1997) involving 27 studies concerning academic achievement of students who received traditional classroom instruction or traditional classroom instruction with technology integration showed interesting results. On average, students receiving technology infused instruction attained higher academic achievement than 58. 2 percent of those in traditional classrooms (Page, 2002). The digital divide addresses societal differences that correlate to the educational outcomes of students. Such differences raised concerns about the emergence of the digital divide between the children on one side who are benefiting from technology and the children on the other side who the lack of technology access leaves behind (Becker, 2000). Key Terms and Definitions 1. Application – computer software; also called a program 2. Broadband – a type of data transmission in which a single wire can carry several channels at once. Broadband technology can transmit data, audio, and video all at once over long distances. 3. Chat – real time, text-based communication in a virtual environment 4. Digital Divide – the gap between those with regular, effective access to digital technologies and those without 5. Digital Technology – machinery and computer equipment used for practical and informative purposes 6. Learning Portal – any web site that offers learners and organizations consolidated access to learning and training resources from multiple sources 7. Multimedia – interactive text, images, sounds, and color 8. Network – two or more computers that are connected so users can share files and devices 9. Online – a computer communicating with another computer 10. World Wide Web (www) – a graphical Internet tool that provides access to homepages created by individuals, businesses, and other organizations Statement of Hypothesis Researchers define the digital divide as discrepancies in technology use and access in learning environments based on ethnicity and socioeconomic status (Pearson Swain, 2002). School systems and government programs supply technology equipment and software to United States’ schools in effort to close the digital divide. Nearly every school is now equipped with computers, and over two-thirds of our nation’s children have access at home (Shields Behrman, 2000). Equal access and supply cannot close the digital divide alone. Teachers need adequate training on selection of technology and integration of technology. Teachers, parents, and students must become technology literate in order to close the digital divide. Review of Literature Advantages of Technology and Academic Performance The digital divide influences academic performance because limited student access to technology minimizes experiences and knowledge necessary to succeed academically. Computer based technology contributes to children’s academic achievement. Researchers associate having a home computer to better academic performance (Jackson et al. , 2006). Schools play a critical role in providing access to computers to students who do not have home computers. Teachers can have a profound effect on the digital divide by carefully examining how and when technology use is necessary. Regular use of technology in the classroom directly contributes to student achievement, both by making students more effective in their learning and teachers more efficient in their teaching. Teacher education should not focus on technology alone, but on its alignment with the curriculum. In order for this alignment with the curriculum to take place, more computers must be available for students use. Technology integrated into the curriculum increases students’ time on task and extends learning into the home, beyond the traditional school day (Shield Behrman, 2000). Classrooms benefit from the advantages of technology if planning is efficient and effective for a particular group of students. Students must understand that the use of technology within lessons supports productivity. Technology is a tool that students use for learning, research, networking, collaboration, telecommunications, and problem solving. Technology lessons must be meaningful and engaging for students to improve academic performance. Teachers are able to shift student learning from memorizing answers to questions to knowing how to find answers. Activities that encourage students to use technology outside of the classroom such as using the technology lab, school media center, or local public library prepare students for future educational experiences. Using technology for academic tasks plays a positive role in student achievement (Wenglinsky, 2005). If students participate in authentic technology enhanced activities on a regular basis, these activities will offer students the support they need to become learners that are more proficient and possibly narrow the divide. Limitations of Technology and Academic Performance The level and quality of the student interactions with technology can limit the academic advantages that technology offers. Students must be able to use computers for more than web-surfing, chatting, game playing, and participating in low-level thinking activities. Student interactions with computers must be quality interactions that allow students to do research and create original multimedia products. Although 99% of public classrooms have access to computers, many students are not meeting the technology standards set by the National Educational Technology Standards (Morgan VanLengen, 2005). While technology exposes students to activities that allow them to use higher order thinking and problem solving techniques, they still prefer to engage in non-academic activities on the Internet. Becker (2000) states that â€Å"most student Internet activities were recreational in nature such as email, chat rooms, web-based games, web surfing, and listening to music†. Many children’s activities on the Internet appear to be for entertainment purposes instead of educational purposes. While the Internet gives students access to an array of educational tools, it also gives them access to non-academic material. Teachers often have trouble monitoring student use of appropriate websites, electronic mail messages, instant messages, and live chat rooms. Without careful observation, students can easily use school time to access material that is inappropriate for children and will not improve academic improvement. Even if teachers properly monitor students, they may not benefit from having access to computers in the classroom. Research by Lilia C. DiBello (2005) states that many teachers have not been properly trained to integrate technology in the classroom. While teachers may be comfortable with navigating various types of software, they often have trouble implementing the technology to meet technology standards (DiBello, 2005). Teacher preparation programs now require future teachers to take a technology course as a graduation requirement. However, technology is rapidly changing and school systems offer few opportunities that allow teachers to keep up with the changes modern technology brings. When teachers are not willing and not prepared to integrate technology into their classrooms, they often fail to prepare students to perform authentic tasks using the computers. Teachers often use computers for low-level thinking activities such as drill and practice (Pearson Swain, 2002). According to Pearson and Swain (2002), students in high-poverty schools use computers for drill and practice 35% of the time, as opposed to students in low-poverty schools, who used computers for drill and practice 26% of the time. Schools who are below the poverty line are also more often to use computers for remedial purposes instead of higher order thinking skills. Teachers rarely teach students to use the computers to answers questions that they ask, research topics, or to prepare multimedia projects that coincide with the subjects they have learned in the classroom. Importance of Closing the Divide The digital divide exists both quantitatively and qualitatively. Gillan (2003) supported that quantitative gaps exist in schools and families where there is not enough access or time spent with technology. Qualitative gaps refer to selection of appropriate applications and quality training. Many studies have drawn the conclusion that the key factor in closing the digital divide may not be access alone. As years have passed, attention moved away from who is connected to the question of who is served. It is important to consider that the upper-to-middle classes are given high-quality access to technology because technologists are hard at work creating â€Å"solutions† designed just for them. According to Morgan and VanLengen (2005), most affluent students use software that requires the use of critical thinking skill. Less affluent students predominately use drill and practice software. Many school officials feel that technologists ignore solutions for the poor. The result is often that schools give the poor low-quality access that could actually hurt them and, in some sense, widen the divide. Because of the continued influences of technology on society, the United States must address the digital divide and implement strategies to narrow the gap. It is imperative to focus on what can be done if needs cannot be met. Students that are technology savvy have significant advantages over their peers. Students with limited technology skills will not have the same educational or job opportunities and information that will be necessary for full and knowledgeable participation in society. Leaders should not subject students to the wrong side of the digital divide just because computer access at home is limited or none. It is the responsibility of the schools and communities to help narrow the gap. The schools are the primary source of computer access. Schools can promote digital equity for young children by including access to computer resources used in developmentally appropriate ways (Judge, 2005). The digital divide has consequences that extend beyond the school. If the digital divide was only a matter of unequal access to equipment, closing it would simply involve duplicating the resources of wealthy schools in poorer schools (Riel, Schwartz, Hitt, 2002). Educators need to learn the basics of information literacy: searching, evaluating materials for quality, risk assessment, and equally important privacy protection. These skills go beyond online behavior to include mass media and everyday communications. Conclusion It is the job of educators to plan technology-integrated lessons that are appropriate for the particular group they are teaching. Educators must have knowledge and skills to integrate technology into meaningful activities of interest and relevance to children. Educators need to be aware of the advantages and the limitations of technology for all students. The primary key to closing the digital divide is investment in literacy and education. The biggest barrier to use of digital technology is lack of skills. It is possible that the next generation of the World Wide Web, referred to as Internet, emphasizes the need to go beyond text to give users a sensory experience of the web. Some governments are exploring the use of cell phones, and applications like voice recognition technology or use of visual icons on various devices. The implications for closing the digital divide are important to society. Closing the digital divide will offer educational advantages, future employment and earning opportunities, chance for social and civic involvement, equity, and civil rights for all.

Distance Learning Essay -- Education Technology Technological Papers

Distance Learning Distance learning (education) has become an integral part of the education process over the past few decades and is growing in popularity as technology advances.(Willis 1992) describes distance education (as) "the organizational framework andprocess of providing instruction at a distance. Distance education takes place when ateacher and student(s) are physically separated, and technology†¦(is) used to bridge theinstruction gap." (Coutts 1996). Furthermore, "distance learning activities are designedto fit the specific context for learning, the nature of the subject matter; intended learningoutcomes, needs and goals of the learner, the learner's environment and the instructional echnologies and methods." (American Council of Education 1996). According to Moore and Thompson (1990), there are essential elements needed for effective distance learning to take place: *Be prompt in coming online and insist students do the same. *Use a natural style of delivery; speak slowly and enunciate clearly. *Maintain spontaneity, avoid reading from a script. *Use visuals effectively. *Use frequent changes of pace to maintain interest. *Frequently draw participants into discussions. *Always refer to participants by name. *Give short concluding summaries of the concepts presented. *Provide structure by effectively using authority. *Control verbal traffic. *Provide socio-emotional support by integrating late group members and encouraging humor. *Establish a democratic atmosphere by sharing authority and asking for participation. *Create a sense of shared space and history. *Model appropriate behavior. *Seek and clarify a common definition of terms. *Set an appropriate pace (Mo... ...ournal of Distance Education . Moore, Michael G. & Thompson, Melody M. (1990) The Effects of Distance Learning. A Summary of Literature. (Research Monograph, Number 2). Southern Ohio Telecommunications Consortium. Moore, Michael G. (1989, June). Distance Education: A Learning System. Lifelong Learning. pg. 8--11. "Distance Education: A Learning System." Simonson, M. (1997). Distance Education: Does Anyone Really Want to Learn At A Distance. Contemporary Education, 68. Page 104--107. Willis, B. (1998, Jan-Feb). Effective Distance Education Planning: Lessons Learned. Educational Technology. Willis, B. (1994). Distance Education: Strategies and Tools. New Jersey:Educational Technology Publications. Willis B. (1992). Effective Distance Education: A Primer for Faculty and Administrators. Monograph Series in Distance Education. 2

Examples of Innovative Products and Services

1. Objective Identify current issues and areas of improvement for small business banking in Canada Recommend innovative banking products 3. Examples of Innovative Products and Services Innovation Country Term Loans New Zealand Financing Products Diversity Loans U. S. Remote Deposit Capture U. S. Customer Customer Feedback Program, New Zealand Experience Online Banking Community Canada, U. S. Employee Benefit Programs U. S. Benefit Programs Priority Banking U. S. Foreign Exchange Order Watch Service Australia Factoring Canada Products Loans/Mortgages for Green Business Canada, UK, U. S. , Greece â€Å"Think Card† UK Green Business Treasurers Reserve Account UK Green Business Advisory Support Canada Category 2. Research Methods and Scope Official websites, professional reports, market surveys, government studies Domestic and international banks and credit unions (Canada, US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand) 4. SWOT Analysis Strength †¢ Advertisement capabilities †¢ Familiarity with innovations †¢ Scales of network allowing piloting †¢ Difficulty with business process changes †¢ Difficulty satisfying small business needs †¢ Promote diversity loans †¢ Promote green products . Gap Analysis Gap analysis reveals potential solutions for the bank to fulfill customer requirements Most of the potential solutions can be categorized as â€Å"Social Responsibility Products† 6. Recommendations Weakness Opportunity Threat A comprehensive social responsibility program includes: Loans to support local economies Loans to support w omen, youth, immigrant and disabled entrepreneurs Banking products to encourage and finance projects that contribute to environmental sustainability 7. References & Acknowledgements A point system to demonstrate recognition and appreciation for small business customers that share social values of the bank â€Å"Green Products for Commercial Banking Customers†, Business Banking Board, †¢ Competitors going for Catalogue Number: BBB17TXCXH. Small Business Financing. [Online]. Canadian Bankers Association. A kick-off marketing campaign to promote the new program and a [2010, Oct. 20] website dedicated to providing information for the program †¢ Losing customers to foreign We thank Prof. J. C. Paradi for providing us this valuable opportunity to work with a real client on an industrial project and Dr. J. Farvolden for guidance and advice Continuous cost/benefit analysis for products in the program and exchange companies along the way. We thank the Client for providing this project and supporting us with relevant information. We thank everyone who put in effort to make this changes as needed to match the social responsibility theme project available for us and wish the best for your future endeavors.

Classical And Classical Project Management - 1473 Words

Project management changes continually with the increasing uncertainty and complexity in contemporary projects, which makes classical project management become fall out with the times. According to Atkinson (cites in Cicmil Hodgson, 2006) traditional project management uses time, cost and scope of plan as a major standard in a project, which is called iron triangle principal. Both Cullen Parker, (2015) and Ã…  pundak (2014) mention that although the classical still can be applied to all projects, there are numerous disadvantages to use it in contemporary projects because the level of conventional project management is divided hierarchically which may hardly reflect the complicatedness and dynamics of project nowadays; and the elements of iron triangle are interactive. When there is some problem in any element, the other will also be affected. Although both Cullen Parker, (2015) and Crawford, Langston Bajracharya (2013) point out that the external environment full of change as wel l as uncertain nowadays compare to classical project management which is base on a predictable condition. Using classical view of project management is time-consuming and inflexible which can hardly deal with the problem in today’s projects. Nonetheless, Cicmil Hodgson (2006) argue that it not means classical view is useless because the iron triangle principal is ingrained compare with lacking empirical evidence in contemporary project management. Thus, this principal could be improvedShow MoreRelatedThe Classical View Of Project Management1411 Words   |  6 Pagesthe global economy. The increasingly important role of project management in projects should not be neglected. 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