Journal #6

“Social Justice: Choice or Necessity”
By Colleen Swain & David Edybum

Summary of article:
Currently, integrating technology in the classroom is a choice of the instructor. In this technology driven society, the more exposure the better. Students need to be technologically fluent in order to effectively problem solve and present acquired knowledge. Students without these skills are at a disadvantage for future educational and employment opportunities. No matter how smart and talented a student is, without a strong hold in technology he/she is going to encounter difficulties in college. Creating an equitable environment is key. To do this, technology must be: available, used routinely, used to reflect real-world applications, and used to enhance learning opportunities for all students. Another part of the problem is limited availability to computers in schools. To fix this problem faculty can research for refurbished computers, computer discounts, and free or inexpensive software. Integrating more technology in each school will create an equal opportunity for students.

Questions:
I. Does this article address the culprit well?
Although lack of funding for technology in all schools is a major problem, I believe the main issue is a large majority of educators do not integrate enough technology with the resources available. I’m not a proponent for more regulations/laws because it stunts creativity, however Tech classes should be required and refreshed by all teachers. Fear and lack of understanding of computers can be wiped out from these classes. Becoming familiar with different programs and how useful they can be to the educator and the students will encourage more use. Currently attending college, I have a professor that does not offer an email address because he does not like computers. Not only is this choice largely inconvenient for students, negative attitudes about technology can be passed on unintentionally to younger students.

II. What areas of social justice does this topic reach?
The first area affected by limited technology integration is lower socio-economic students. Generally, these students come from poorer communities and schools that do not have as many technological resources. Although a large proportion of poor children are white, many of these students from low socio-economic backgrounds are minorities. In addition, the article made reference to boys receiving twice as much computer time as girls. Those affected by limited technology – the poor, minorities, and women - will receive lower paying jobs. We can change the wage gap that exists today, by integrating technology in the classrooms of students.