The division between what can be produced by students who have ready access to technology and those who do not continues to grow. Some students have up-to-date computers, cutting edge software, internet access, flash drives, DVD burners, cell-phones, multifunction printers and digital cameras. Others have few, if any, of these tools. Yet, when an assignment is due, it is assessed with a single rubric. How can students without technology compete? What can be done about this disparity?
When we were reading The World is Flat I think there was a part where someone had made modern technology available on the streets in Pakistan or Brazil, or someplace like that. Maybe our philanthropists need to stay home. Of course, if they are trying to get a cheap labor pool, they are right where they want to be.
ReplyDeleteThe question about disparity needs to be addressed by public funding of basic technology. Deciding what is basic will be problematic, but there really is no other way to provide equity. You can have a rubric for any form of assignment response, but at the end of the day, those who can use the technology will have a better chance of competing for jobs. Of course, students will have to come up with the motivation to be at school after hours to use the technology.