Equal Access for Students

As we start this semester of Math 371, we are just beginning to learn about the vast list of technological resources out there for teachers. As we continue through the semester, we will master how to use technology in our classrooms to improve students learning, but as teachers, we need to ensure the technology we are implementing into our classrooms isn’t harming our students.

While learning about new technology resources, Dr. Vestal posed a question along the lines of “Do you think technology grants more access to students?” My initial response to this question was “Yes, it definitely does.” I went on to talk about how technology allows students to do so many new things that students in the past weren’t able to do. For example, over the last few years students learned how to do school over Zoom, something that our parents never would have dreamt of being able to do. Students now can use online math manipulatives, graph equations on Desmos, watch videos over subjects they are confused about, and the list goes on. 

As we continued to talk about the topic of technology and access, I started to change my initial answer to the question posed. I still think technology has increased students’ access to many resources, but with this access, there comes a problem with equal access for everyone. Many students, especially at the high school level, are given school computers. Due to students having these computers, teachers are able to assign things online or implement a flipped classroom. Although students have access to a device, it is not guaranteed that the student has internet access at home, so that student would have a disadvantage not being able to do the online homework outside of school hours. The lack of internet access at home can lead to a wider gap in student’s performance and learning that may have already been created from past experiences. As teachers we need to keep this in mind as we are trying to shorten that learning gap and not widen it. 

The issue of students not having internet at home is a problem that teachers aren't able to fix, but teachers can be mindful of the problem. Before implementing certain things online, teachers should make sure all of their students have good internet access at home. For students who don't have access to internet, teachers should make a plan with the students to ensure that they are given ample time during school hours to get the assignments done. The student should not be hindered or punished for not having internet access at home. Teachers need to ensure that the technology they are using in the classroom isn't causing problems for any of the students.

Overall, I think technology has opened up a whole new world of possibilities in the classroom, but it has also created a new problem of equal access for all students. Educators need to be mindful of equal access when they are incorporating technology into the classroom.