Cultrual Gap in Technology

After reading and absorbing a tremendous amount of information in Chapter One, the one point that struck home to me is the cultural/socioeconomic barrier in technology within the schools. It is true even in Birmingham, Alabama, that many inner city schools do not have the same technology as other affluent schools. For many students, the only opportunity afforded to them to work on computers is at school. Many depend upon the library for outside computer use. It would be wonderful to see more educational dollars dispersed evenly among all school systems; so every child has the opportunity to learn and use the technological resources available today. Not just computers, but all the various forms of technology used in various learning environments. Whether this be in school radio/television production, school newspaper or even the school annual. If given this opportunity, many children would feel a sense of worth and accomplishment in their studies. Secondly, this technology would allow many students to see outside the world they live in; and encourage them to move forward in their studies. This might be the springboard to encourage a student to work hard and pursue that college dream. So it is up to the educators of today to work hard to push for funding at all levels and in all districts so every child is given the opportunity to grow and learn.

Also, it is astounding to believe we live in the 21st Century and girls/women are still considered a minority in technology. As a 40 year old, I see many of my students (boys and girls) embrace technology. Why then do girls grow up and not enter the mathematical/technology field. Is it discrimination? Or is it a lack of interest? I truly hope that it is not discrimination but lack of interest on their part. If so, schools need to find creative ways to engage girls in technology all through school so their interest in entering a technological field is sparked. It would be wonderful if one day a woman was the one pioneering the newest computer, phone, or musical device wanted by the rest of the world.

Hopefully as educators we can work hard to eventually erase these discrimination barriers.