Journal Response # 1

Sherri Shaner

September 16, 2003

Is the digital divide really as wide as we have been told? According to San Jose Mercury Newspaper reporter Maya Suryaraman, it is! In her research of high schools in the San Jose area, she found that many teens say their teachers do not support them when it comes to using the internet for class projects. According to the research, enough classrooms are wired, but not enough teachers are knowledgeable enough to integrate the technology into their lessons. Other factors contributing to the problem include lack of universal access to computers within the school buildings and inadequate technical support and teacher training.

Far across the country, in a tiny state known as Maryland, many of the same problems seem to be occurring. Although, MCPS does have universal access to computers throughout most buildings, the problem of inadequate training and support still remains. Most teachers allow students access to basic word processing programs for publishing writings, but lack the knowledge to help students extend their final products to include multimedia presentations and linked WebPages. For most of our students, technology is not only necessary for their future careers, but a motivator for them to achieve in their current school careers.

Suryaraman, Maya (2002, August 15). School’s Digital Divide: Teens Say Teachers Lack Internet Skills [Electronic version]. San Jose Mercury News, Page 1B.