Technology in the Classroom: The Digital Divide

LT4 Living Discipline Photo Essay: Social Studies

CDPD 500

Rachel Pettie
Canadian society is increasingly interconnected with the global community through
access to online technologies and globalization.
Many students have access to the instant information and constant attention demands
of smart devices.
Educators and schools at large can utilize the technology available to enhance learning
and student connection to the globalized systems surrounding them. Furthermore,
integration of technology in the classroom creates the opportunity for new learning
models.
However, inequity of technological access leads to unequal educational practices and
opportunities for learners. This can be referred to as the digital divide.
In a globalized world where technological fluency is required for societal participation. It is
imperative for all students to be given the opportunity to equip themselves with the skills and
knowledge of these modern systems.
The digital divide is perpetuated through geographical, socioeconomic and racial disparities.
Lack of policy and infrastructure to address these inequalities leads to further gaps in
technological knowledge and access beyond a student’s time in a classroom.
These inequalities are further strained by the impact of COVID-19 on the education system and
learners. Demands for online learning and social distancing have created a stratification of
access to knowledge between students privileged with technological access and those that are
not.
Policy makers need to address challenges to technological access as it pertains to the ability of
the public system to provide equal care and opportunity to all students.
Collaboration between policy makers and educators towards closing the digital divide is integral
to future student learning and growth. Lack of communication can lead to a discrepancy
between educators and policy makers over educational values and priorities.
Alberta social studies curriculum brings forward thinking of globalization and the infusion of
technology within the context of the surrounding world. Technology usage and access are key
towards understanding the current impacts of globalization and what voices are currently
prioritized under current systems.
Through understanding the digital divide within Candadian education systems students are
further propelled towards understanding the globalized impacts of technology and how to move
forward equitably.
1. Photographer: Peter Howell. Retrieved from:
https://www.happytissue.sg/information-spread-at-no-cost-for-happy-tissue/
2. Photographer: Shutterstock. Retrieved from:
https://theconversation.com/how-smart-is-it-to-allow-students-to-use-mobile-phon
es-at-school-40621
3. Photographer: Microsoft Canada. Retrieved from:
https://www.straight.com/life/452561/teachers-using-pens-and-paper-classroom-
not-fair-students-microsoft-official-says
4. Retrieved from:
https://tomorrowslearners.com/what-about-the-digital-divide-in-education/
5. Retrieved from:
https://nces.ed.gov/blogs/nces/post/the-digital-divide-differences-in-home-interne
t-access
6. a. Photographer: Rachel Pettie. Retrieved from:
https://www.wired.com/story/schools-digital-divide-remote-learning/
b. Photographer: Rachel Pettie. Retrieved from:
https://www.d2l.com/blog/k-12-education-equity-the-digital-divide-and-covid-19/#:
~:text=This%20Digital%20Divide%20is%20one,and%20those%20who%20do%2
0not​.
7. Retrieved from:
https://education.alberta.ca/media/1046/learning-and-technology-policy-framewor
k-web.pdf
8. a. Photographer: Rachel Pettie. Retrieved from:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/how-rural-alberta-teachers-are-educ
ating-students-without-internet-and-computers-1.5521700
b. Photographer: Rachel Pettie. Retrieved from:
https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/parents-concerned-over-alberta-education-funding-
cuts-1.4875300
9. a. Retrieved from:
https://www.hitechnectar.com/blogs/smart-workspace-technology-trends/
b. Retrieved from:
http://cascadebusnews.com/technology-creating-global-workplace/
10. Illustrator: Curtis Parker. Retrieved from:
https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2020/05/28/to-bridge-the-gap-peabodys-department-
of-special-education-applies-best-in-class-academic-research-to-solve-real-world
-challenges/