Digital Divide research topic 1 post5

The digital divide continued....

Hi everyone last post on the topic he-ray!!
For my last post I have these last three questions which I want to bundle into one answer as they rely on a coarse of action implemented by the teacher but possibly monitored by the government.

What is the importants of bridging the digital divide?


How much of the curriculum in schools will be digital?


Inclusion or participation?

The national curriculum is in effect and the national rollout of computers will be completed by 2014, the issue of digital divide will continue to evolve as well as the needs of the students.
It is clear that  Australia is acting on a unified front for education (obviously not a process that can proceed equally everywhere).

The use of computers to connect communities and help deliver education in schools is being taught to teachers and they are putting the infrastructure in place to cope.

As a teacher the question of inclusion or participation relies heavily on our own ability to deliver relevant content with ICT delivery and judge what position students are in to adapt to their needs. The success of this will need to be assessed and the national curriculum will help implement this structure.

http://www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/DigitalEducationRevolution/Resources/guide/StrategicPlanning/Pages/EffectiveuseandmanagementofICT.aspx

Fortunately I teach technology and my up to date understanding of the industry puts me in a much stronger position to deliver in class subjects that relate to relevant technology and the outside world.
Nicolas Gruen makes a strong point that we need to ensure equity of outcomes for everyone not just those that participate this once again is relient on the judgement of the teacher the frameworks they operate in and the tools they have avalible.

http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2010/09/16/article/Gruen-warns-of-growing-participation-divide/JNKZNIHGWU.html


Thanks

Just to give you a recap on the digital divide.(these aren't in any order)

• In Australia the divide issue is no longer about who has a computer and who doesn't.
• It's about individuals ability in accessing information and the ability to use the hardware.
• Quality of connection is an issue when not at school and in rural area's.
• Socio-Economic factors of parents are still massive indicators to students literacy on computers and if they have a internet connection.
• Ability of teachers to use ICT effectively whilst not creating a gap between inclusion and participation is the new overall goal.

Across the world the issue is in different stages.