Thursday, October 02, 2008
Schools and The Digital Divide
Seema Mehta discovered that some schools are making it mandatory for every student to buy a laptop. Mehta discusses thhe Fullerton School District in Orange County. Their superintendent believes that this requirement benefits the students learning and gives them an edge and the tools they need to compete globally. However, some argue that,
"It is violating the states constitutional guarantee
to provide a free education and is creatind a two-
tiered learning environment."
I agree with this statement. One of the main reasons parents send their children to public schools is because it is free. Here they are not required to buy uniforms, textbooks, or pay a school tuition. By requiring all students to buy a laptop is creating a division between social classes. I think the superintendent had a good brainstorming thought, but did not map out all options to achieve the access to technology. Computers are great motivators. They engage students, make them computer literate, and enhance their writing skills. However, there are parents who can't keep their lights on, or keep food in their refridgerator and buying a laptop for their chld is not a priority. Moreover, it shouldn't have to be.
"It is violating the states constitutional guarantee
to provide a free education and is creatind a two-
tiered learning environment."
I agree with this statement. One of the main reasons parents send their children to public schools is because it is free. Here they are not required to buy uniforms, textbooks, or pay a school tuition. By requiring all students to buy a laptop is creating a division between social classes. I think the superintendent had a good brainstorming thought, but did not map out all options to achieve the access to technology. Computers are great motivators. They engage students, make them computer literate, and enhance their writing skills. However, there are parents who can't keep their lights on, or keep food in their refridgerator and buying a laptop for their chld is not a priority. Moreover, it shouldn't have to be.
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You are correct, public education should be free and parents should not be expected to provide a $1500 laptop for their child.
However, what should then be done about the growing digital divide between the poor and the wealthy families that can provide their children with private schools, laptops, iPods, etc.?
Whose responisbility is it to make sure that all children can have access to this digital revolution? Families? Government?
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However, what should then be done about the growing digital divide between the poor and the wealthy families that can provide their children with private schools, laptops, iPods, etc.?
Whose responisbility is it to make sure that all children can have access to this digital revolution? Families? Government?
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