Digital Divide

Dear Principle,

 

            The digital divide is getting bigger every year. We need to keep up with this demand for more technology in the class room. Many of my students do not have the access to a computer or the Internet. Digital Divide is the gap between the people who don’t have access to the digital technologies and the people that do. There are many effects of the digital inequity. Many are the effects on school and how students use the technologies. Many things affect it like ethnics, geographic, societal and economic factors (Pollard P.157).

            There are many things that can be done to address the digital divide. One thing that was just recently shown to me is the modified smart board. It is the same thing as a smart board but it is cheaper then the actual system. This allows the students to use the computer to do activities on a class scale.

            Also teachers can assign projects that can be completed in one or two class periods. This will allow the students without access to technology that can’t get to it. This is something that is an easy solution to the technological problems.

            Another solution to this problem might be a fundraiser for the school. The teachers can put a fundraiser together to raise money for the technologies needed in the class room. They can set up many events in the community to get them

            These are my recommendation that could happen. Teachers can help in the class room and the community can help to raise money for the school. There are many things online that can help with the digital divide. Many new technologies are online that are free. If there is anything I can do just say.

 

 

                                                                                                Thank You

                                                                                                            Travis Houde

INTERNET SAFETY

There are many things that we can do to protect our children from Internet dangers. Every computer comes with parental controls that can be set to block websites and filter out bad stuff. The bad stuff they would filter out is websites with pornography and Internet predators. As for me, I can address Internet safety in many ways. I can give my students the websites that I have approved for them to use. I can also give them some rules that they will follow during their Internet experience.

            I started some research on my own and I found a good website for teachers. This site has many different rules and tips for teachers to help with Internet safety. Here are some of the tips they give teachers.

Ø  Once the class has started, but before the computers are turned on, discuss what is expected when the students are online.

Ø  Remind the students of any Acceptable Usage Policies they have agreed to.

Ø  Avoid letting students search and wander - they could end up entering areas that are unsafe. Select a few sites of interest and stay focused.

Ø  Look out for students turning off monitors quickly, laughing at something on the screen, grouping around someone else's computer or looking embarrassed. These are all warning signs for potential trouble.

Ø  Reward students who are acting responsibly in the class when on the Internet.  Make them a positive role model for the rest of the class(http://www.netalert.gov.au/advice/safety_advice_by_group/internet_safety_tips_for_teachers.html).

 

This site can help teachers and me for later on. This site has a lot of good advice for teachers who deal with computers more.