Journal 6

“Social Justice: Choice or Necessity”
By Colleen Swain and David Edyburn

This article explores the social justice implications of instructional technology. When teachers decide not to use technology in learning environments, students are disadvantaged. Teachers can increase students’ future opportunities by providing access to technology. However, simply providing access to instructional technology is not enough; students must become technologically fluent. A lack of technological proficiency can negatively affect students’ futures by limiting their education and employment opportunities in a society that is becoming more and more dependant on technology. According to the authors of this article, technology is equitably implemented when: it is available and used routinely; it is used to enhance learning opportunities for all students; it is used in ways that reflect the real world; and when it is used to monitor progress over time.


My Questions:

1. As a teacher, how can I make sure that technology use in my classroom is promoting social justice?
I will have to be reflective about the technology use that takes place in my classroom. This could be accomplished by keeping notes that describe how instructional technologies are being used in my lessons. I could survey students in order to assess their thoughts on and experiences with technology. These surveys would also allow me to find out which students have access to computers and the Internet at home and which students need to be directed to other resources in the community where they could gain access.

2. As a teacher, what are some steps that I can take to improve computer access at my school or in my classroom?
I will need to be proactive in looking for opportunities to acquire technology. This could involve looking for potential donors, and making parents and members of the community aware of the school’s need for computers. It is also important to remember that there is a growing collection of free or open source software available, particularly online. According to the authors of the above article, another useful resource is a Website called the “Digital Equity Portal and Toolkit.” This site offers a number of valuable strategies and resources for improving computer access.