Introduction
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.
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.
Digital Citizenship 