Maggie Kartanowicz
March 18, 2004
SLM 521- Buddy Phillips
Journal Article Review #2
Vail, Kathleen (July 2003). Next Generation Divide. Technology
Focus. Retrieved 2/9/04, from http://www.asbj.com/2002/22/2202technologyfocus.html
The digital divide was a phrase coined in
the 1990's to define the inequalities of schools in economically disadvantaged
districts in regard to student access to
the computer and Internet. Due to the efforts of the government, private
corporations, and charitable organizations, 99% of all public schools are
now connected to
the Internet. Although this was a great start to addressing the issue of
digital divide, there still remain the issues of teacher and student training
and supplying children
in depressed areas with computers for their homes. This next generation divide
is again being addressed by private organizations, the school system and
the
government. Private organizations like NetDay, Children’s Partnership of
Los Angeles and KIDTECH, are assisting by providing both teachers and students
with
training and online help. Many schools are donating computers to their economically
disadvantaged students with the condition that that must attend a training
meeting. Additionally, these schools are following these students to track
their academic achievement. The government is serving by providing funding
for
technology. With No Child Left Behind, there has become a greater push to
close this gap. Schools may use technology funds or other federal funds,
like Title I to
supplement technology. Support of technology would include purchasing software
and programs to improve reading and math or students who need extra help
can
utilize virtual and online schools.
I am encouraged to read that the needs of all children
are being addressed, especially those who do not have the same economic advantage
as others. I am also
optimistic about the success of the next generation divide since the digital
divide in the 1990’s was managed so effectively. The current steps
the schools are
implementing in providing economically disadvantaged students with surplus
or older model computers are sensible and practical. I think it is
a great practice to
require parents to be trained on these computers so they are used to their
potential. Tracking the student’s achievement is an excellent final
step.