Introduction to Digital Access
Digital Access is a key
component in understanding digital citizenship. Today's society is vastly
changing and as a result so is the educational world and the way our students
are instructed. Technology is evolving and appearing in all aspects of society
and it has become an emerging component of instruction within the classroom.
Students are learning in new ways that were unimaginable when parents and
teachers were students in the classroom. As the technology appears within the
classroom and in the world around us, it is crucial to identify the importance
for all students to be participants in this digital society. As educators and
parents, it is our duty to ensure that all students have equal opportunities in
terms of technology access and use within the classroom as well as the
opportunity for all to be involved in today's digital society. Outside of the
classroom, technology opportunities are rapidly emerging. From the computers at
the local library to the internet access on your cell phone to the internet
capabilities through today's video gaming system, students are immersed in
access to technology. The key to this topic is recognizing that in order
to develop 21st century skills in all of our students,
we must take action to provide opportunities for all
of our students.
What is Digital Access?
Digital Access is defined as
"full electronic participation in society" (Ribble, 2007). As a parent it is
important to understand this key component so that you can guarantee that your
children are provided with equal opportunities. Within this topic, there are two
major issues that parents should be aware of including equitable access and
assistive technology for those students requiring accommodations.
Overview
Educators and parents alike
want what is best for their students. Both stakeholders desire to achieve the
same goal: preparing their students to become successful citizens in today's
society. In order to do so in today's fast paced world, it is imperative that we
understand equitable access. Students deserve an equal opportunity to have
access to technology. Talk to your students about technology use in school. Talk
with other parents about technology use. Talk with your child's teacher about
technology use. Equitable access refers to the opportunity for all students to
have equal access in using technology. While we must recognize that not every
district, school and classroom may have the exact same opportunities available
due to limited financial resources and so forth, the opportunities that exist
for one child in a classroom should exist for the other children within that
same classroom. Encourage your students to participate and use that technology
when it is available. In addition, it is important for the parents to provide
that access outside the school when possible. Whether that means taking your
children to the library or to a relative's house, provide them with
supervised and educational opportunities to engage in and participate in today's
emerging technologies. Although the technology may be unfamiliar to you, learn
about it with your child. They can surprisingly teach you a lot about today's
technology. By providing them these opportunities and working with them,
you allow them to become productive and successful digital citizens in our
digital world.
As important as it is to be aware of equitable access, it is also essential to understand that student learners have different needs. Some students require glasses, while others require an agenda to keep organized. Other students have special diets or prefer to sit near the front of the classroom. Accessing technology often involves providing accommodations for some students. Educators and parents must be aware of those learners' needs and provide them with the services necessary for successful use of technology. For example, some students with vision impairments may require a magnifier to view the computer screen more easily or they could use a text to speech program to aid them when using a computer. Physical disabilities of students may require the use of other assistive software such as a switch or modified keyboard. The key point to understand is that all students should be provided with an opportunity to use technology effectively and successfully. In understanding this point, be sure to teach your children that not everyone will use technology in the same way and the importance of not treating others differently because of the way in which they must access technology. Use the resources below, search the internet or discuss with your child's teacher about available technology in your local community and about available assistive technologies. Provide these assistive technology opportunities to your students at home if possible so that your children can become accustomed to and successful with using them in their daily lives, both at home and at school.
As important as it is to be aware of equitable access, it is also essential to understand that student learners have different needs. Some students require glasses, while others require an agenda to keep organized. Other students have special diets or prefer to sit near the front of the classroom. Accessing technology often involves providing accommodations for some students. Educators and parents must be aware of those learners' needs and provide them with the services necessary for successful use of technology. For example, some students with vision impairments may require a magnifier to view the computer screen more easily or they could use a text to speech program to aid them when using a computer. Physical disabilities of students may require the use of other assistive software such as a switch or modified keyboard. The key point to understand is that all students should be provided with an opportunity to use technology effectively and successfully. In understanding this point, be sure to teach your children that not everyone will use technology in the same way and the importance of not treating others differently because of the way in which they must access technology. Use the resources below, search the internet or discuss with your child's teacher about available technology in your local community and about available assistive technologies. Provide these assistive technology opportunities to your students at home if possible so that your children can become accustomed to and successful with using them in their daily lives, both at home and at school.
Resources
Use the
following resources for further information regarding assistive
technology:
Links to Free Software - This web resource provides a list of various assistive programs available to download for free including: Balabolka, Word Logic Predictive Keyboard, Natural Reader, WordWeb, ReadPlease 2003, Rough Draft, and Cayra.
Freedom Scientific Products - Freedom Scientific develops products that provide equal access to technology use for those students with vision impairments or learning disabilities.
AbleNet - This company provides products and services for adults and students with disabilities such as communication aids and access aids for successful and meaningful lives at school and at home.
Vendors for Software and Assitive Technology - This lnk provides a comprehensive list of companies that develop products such as software and assistive technology.
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative - This program connects Delawareans who have disabilities with the tools they need to be successful and productive citizens.
Use the following resources for available technology in your local community:
Georgetown Public Library - There is a Children's Early Literacy Computer at the Georgetown Public library available for young students with programs covering several subject areas. The programs can be played in Spanish or English. Contact the library for more information.
Rehoboth Beach Public Library - At the library in Rehoboth Beach, patrons with a Delaware library card are able to access the wireless internet for free. Contact the library for more information.
Javabyte Cafe - This internet cafe in Rehoboth Beach provides internet access to its customers. Call for more information.
WiFiCafeSpots - This resource provides a map identifying the local cafes with free wireless internet access. Use this map, to help locate these cafes in your local community.
Links to Free Software - This web resource provides a list of various assistive programs available to download for free including: Balabolka, Word Logic Predictive Keyboard, Natural Reader, WordWeb, ReadPlease 2003, Rough Draft, and Cayra.
Freedom Scientific Products - Freedom Scientific develops products that provide equal access to technology use for those students with vision impairments or learning disabilities.
AbleNet - This company provides products and services for adults and students with disabilities such as communication aids and access aids for successful and meaningful lives at school and at home.
Vendors for Software and Assitive Technology - This lnk provides a comprehensive list of companies that develop products such as software and assistive technology.
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative - This program connects Delawareans who have disabilities with the tools they need to be successful and productive citizens.
Use the following resources for available technology in your local community:
Georgetown Public Library - There is a Children's Early Literacy Computer at the Georgetown Public library available for young students with programs covering several subject areas. The programs can be played in Spanish or English. Contact the library for more information.
Rehoboth Beach Public Library - At the library in Rehoboth Beach, patrons with a Delaware library card are able to access the wireless internet for free. Contact the library for more information.
Javabyte Cafe - This internet cafe in Rehoboth Beach provides internet access to its customers. Call for more information.
WiFiCafeSpots - This resource provides a map identifying the local cafes with free wireless internet access. Use this map, to help locate these cafes in your local community.
A Glimpse into a Teacher's Survey - Digital Access
This survey was designed for
educators to evaluate their beliefs and current concerns about digital access
within the classroom. Feel free to take this "Digital Access" survey from a
parent perspective and/or ask your child's teacher to participate in the survey.
Read a summary of the current results below.
Results from Digital Access Survey
According to the responses, it
appears that there is a wide range of understanding of digital access and
technology use within the classroom. However, it is apparent that teachers
believe 100% of their students are emerged in some form of technology use
throughout their lives. Most classrooms are similar in terms of number of
students and number of computers in the classroom. The most common form of
technology use within the classroom is the computer, while several teachers
mentioned other emerging technology such as iPads, Smart responders, Smart
Boards, and flip cameras. Another noteworthy point is the response to the
question involving equal access for students and teachers. According to the
responders, 71.4% believe all students have equal access while 28.6% do not. On
the other hand, 100% of the teachers believe that all teachers have equal
access. Finally, the most informative responses came when the responders shared
their concerns. Training, lack of working technology or available technology and
the integration of technology use daily were the main concerns about the
teachers. It is evident that students use technology and most teachers want to
use technology with their students, but without the training and properly
working technology, issues in terms of equal access and technology use will
continue to impact the classroom.
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP.
Welcome to the Digital Citizenship Website Digital Citizenship is a concept which helps teachers, technology leaders and parents to understand what students/children/technology users should know to use technology appropriately. Digital Citizenship is more than just a teaching tool; it is a way to prepare students/technology users for a society full of technology. Digital citizenship is the norms of appropriate, responsible technology use. Too often we are seeing students as well as adults misusing and abusing technology but not sure what to do. The issue is more than what the users do not know but what is considered appropriate technology usage.
Digital Citizenship Today
The topic of digital citizenship is certainly gaining momentum not only in the United States but around the world. Whether it is called digital citizenship, digital wellness or digital ethics the issues are the same; how should we act when we are online, and what should be taught to the next generation. With the growth of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and 1:1 initiatives in schools there is a need to talk about responsible use of technology. There are many organizations and individuals that are working on this topic. If you are interested in additional information go to the Resources Tab and look for their links. With the changes happening so rapidly please check out some of these leaders on Twitter using the #digcit to search for ideas.
In response to many discussions with users from around the world some new ideas have surfaced on how to discuss the nine elements of digital citizenship. Take a look at the bottom of the Nine Elements page for more information related to Respect, Educate and Protect.
If you have questions or comments about the material found on this website please click on the Contact Us link to send us your information. If you are interested in reading more about Digital Citizenship please go to the Publications page of this website and click on the link for the Digital Citizenship in Schools book which will connect to the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) or Amazon website. We do have a realted a book for parents on digital citizenship titled Raising a Digital Child. A second edition of the first book Digital Citizenship in Schools was released in the Fall of 2011 (go to the Publications page to find out how to order these books). As of the Fall of 2013 these books are now available in Arabic as well. We are excited to announce that the third edition of Digitial Citizenship in Schools will be released on September 15, 2015.
If you are interested in a presentation on Digital Citizenship or other related technology discussions go to the Contact Us page and send an e-mail or fill out the form provided.
For those attending ISTE 2015 please join the Digital Citizenship PLN (Professional Learning Network) to see how you can get involved.
Coming Soon - Digital Citizenship Institute and how to get involved (check back in November 2015)!!
No comments:
Post a Comment