Exploring the Digital Divide

Exploring the Digital Divide- I was trying to post on Matt's blog, but I couldnt' figure out how...grrrr. That's okay. I'll just write my idea on my blog and figure it out later. Like before 5pm today. I just wanted to say that it seems like I can't talk about voice, identity, or authority in a classroom that uses technology without further exploring the digital divide as Matt and Trevor have pointed out. I can see evidence of the divide without even opening a book, and I think that is sad. I mean take a look at the self check out at the grocery store and Home Depot. Many times I have stood there and watched frustrated people just start pushing buttons. Then some equally annoyed employee walks over and says excuse me and just checks the person out himself or herself. All the while I am thinking, "Why did you come to self check out if you didn't know what to do!" And now that I have learned a name, digital divide, for what I am seeing, I am more patient and less judgemental. My sister, a hairdresser, told me that she went to the dentist a while back and the receptionist asked her to sign in on a Kiosk. She said she stood there and didn't know what to do. Her son had to figure it out for her, and then when he got stuck an agitated receptionist left her desk to assist them. So I now I am considering the people who will be in my 1A class which will be at a junior college...How will they react to my assignments? Then I have to remember what Banks says, he says let the technology assist in your teaching style; don't let the tech drive the teaching. If I keep them in mind, the students, then I think everything will end up being fine.

For me this research isn't just about a grade for 220C, I plan to attempt to actually use it when I get a job. So it's pretty serious business. Caron asked me about the readings from 220A, I brought them in because I pulled out my rationale when I started this project. For me it's all encompassing. And I like this; because it feels practical and valuable. I can't wait to actually get some real teaching experience...that way when I write about these things it will be that much more meaningful.