Digital Divide/Digital Inequalities

This week has been filled with excitement and new discoveries.  I enjoyed completing the digital divide project as it exposed me to new technologies which I could incorporate into my own classroom.  One of the multimedia principles I focused on in my presentation was keeping it simple and that more is not better.  Oftentimes when I watch a presentation, it is difficult to read text on the slide while simultaneously listening to the speaker.  Using simple pictures to represent what will be said, helps those viewing your presentation to understand exactly what point(s) you are trying to make. It is also very important to remember that when you are going to use text on a slide, not to add too much.  People will quickly lose interest in your presentation if there is text overload.  


As I read and digested the information about digital divide, I realize that even though students in my district are very fortunate to have access to many technologies, there is a huge difference in skill.  The difference in skill exists not only between students, but also between teachers.  To close this gap, my district needs to unite on the technology front and all agree that technology IS extremely important to learning. I learned that even though students do have access, how the technology is used is vital to digital literacy.


With this new knowledge of technology, I would like to help my peers incorporate technologies into their classrooms more effectively.   I hope to help my peers with this point in the fall as I participate in professional development for educators. Throughout the EdTech program, course work includes an enormous amount of exposure to new technologies.  I'm hopeful that as I work through the classes, I will build that knowledge base and teach others how to apply those technologies into their classrooms. 


I wish I could have done this project during the regular school session, so that I could survey teachers, students and administrators about technology use.  I feel this would have supported my statements about skill level and justified my ideas for improvement within my district.


I hope you enjoy my presentation on Digital Divide at the Tyrone Area School District.


Digital Divide/Digital Inequalities Presentation


Google Slides Presentation