Global Perspectives 9 Unit: Digital World Topic: Digital Divide in Education The Digital Divide, Explained - YouTube Inequality In America: A Look At The Digital Divide In Home Schooling | TODAY - YouTube Digital Divide and Education Inequality - YouTube 1. (video 1) Many inner-city schools of Detroit are under-resourced with unemployment and crime. The Detroit Public School children were eventually given an iPad or laptop once the pandemic hit, and schools were forced to close. This may have been a good solution or idea to allow students the opportunity to learn online, but what problems can you foresee with this idea that school leaders and teachers may not have anticipated? While providing iPads or laptops to students may have seemed like a good solution to allow for remote learning during the pandemic, there are several potential problems that school leaders and teachers may not have anticipated. Some of these issues include access to reliable internet, lack of technical support, lack of engagement, increased unhealthy screen time, cybersecurity problems and difficulty to track student behavior and accountability. Overall, while providing devices to students may seem like a simple solution to the challenges of remote learning, there are many potential issues that school leaders and teachers need to consider and address to ensure that students receive a high-quality education. 2. (video 2) The lack of accessibility and affordability for those in certain areas of the country (United States) and those who simply cannot pay for internet service. Should the internet be a free service like mail or public schools for all or at least for those who cannot afford it? Justify your answer. (It may sound like a good idea at first but may also have some drawbacks). In my opinion, I think the internet should not be a free service because it can cause many potential issues if it were free. One potential issue is the cost of providing free internet access. The internet infrastructure and maintenance require significant investments, and it is unclear who would bear these costs. Additionally, providing free internet access may result in increased usage, which could strain the existing network infrastructure and negatively affect the quality of service for everyone. It could also lead to increased cybercrime and misuse of the internet. Another consideration is the potential impact on internet service providers. If the government mandates free internet access, it could result in a loss of revenue for many companies, which could lead to reduced investments in infrastructure and innovation. 3. (video 2) The pandemic will come to an end sooner or later, and schools will have (or already have) to reopen. The kids living in the poor areas will have the same problems they did before the pandemic: lack of resources from low funding which means lack of a quality education. Technology should solve society’s problems and not exacerbate a social divide that already exists. Considering all the technology (apps, services, digital books, etc.) that exists up to this point, do you think the digital divide will perhaps worsen or become smaller as more and better technology will evolve in the future? 4. (video 3) Telecommunication companies like Verizon have also given underprivileged students more exposure to technology by providing tablets and better access to the internet as well as training teachers and students how to use the technology apps. The video shows students receiving tablets and VRs and teachers engaging with students through technology. In your experience as a student, has technology enhanced better and more authentic learning? Or do you feel it just complicates things? Explain please. I think technology has enhanced better learning and can improve more learning in the future since Technology has the potential to enhance and facilitate better and more authentic learning experiences for students. With technology, students can access a vast range of educational resources, collaborate with peers from around the world, and engage with immersive simulations that can bring abstract concepts to life. Technology can also help personalize learning, allowing students to work at their own pace and level.
