Thursday, October 09, 2003

Article Critique #2

The following synopsis and reflection is from the site listed below:

http://www.asbj.com/2003/07/0703technologyfocus2.html

The “Next Generation Divide” article touches on a lot of good points. First and foremost, it focuses on the idea of children from affluent families versus children who are less fortunate, or at the poverty level. Those with money have the computers, technology, experience, and exposure to the world. However, children who are poor, they have a limited view of the world around them. The author gives an example by describing what it is like growing up in the Mississippi Delta community of West Bolivar. A third grade teacher provides the opportunity to her underprivileged children to experience the “Big Apple” via virtual field trips. This experience was extremely unique for the students because they wanted to know, “Where are the farms?” In other words, the students weren’t used to or exposed to industrial communities. The article goes on to mention how computers are given to low-income families. This may be a quick remedy, but most people who receive the computers; they don’t know how to use them. Therefore, they need some support and instruction. This leads into the fact that many school districts are training their own teachers on computer basics. The next step is to integrate technology into the classroom.

The statistics that were shared in this article is pretty amazing. Even though 99 percent of all public schools are connected to the Internet, only 87 percent have an Internet connection in the classroom. I find this confusing. If it’s in the school, shouldn’t it be in the classroom? Statistics about different school districts in North Carolina and Virginia were also shared. Mainly, it stated that those who come from a low-income family, they go home to no technology. I find this disturbing because we’re pushing technology down these kids throat at school, but they’re too timid to say that they can’t do the homework because they don’t have access. I sympathize with these children because I didn’t always have a computer while I was growing up. Then again, they weren’t as widely used, or necessary to communicate as they are today. I understand that little access leads to little knowledge. That’s why I started an after-school computer club at my school. I try to select students who are under-privileged. I want to give them the same opportunities that other children have. Even if it’s at school, and not at home.