The educational impacts regarding the absence of technology are continuing to affect students. Accessibility to technology continues to affect both the learning and achievement of those in school. Students that do not have the opportunity to use the Internet, or have the chance but do not know how to use it, can suffer from several consequences. “The most severe consequences of the digital divide are the long term effects it will have on children that do not have access to education. Lacking access and computer skills, a whole generation will be missing out on realizing their full potential in an information and communication technology world” (Stillwater). The first consequence students may have if they do not have access to technology is the overall achievement rate in school. “Educational technology has also demonstrated a significant positive effect on achievement in all major subject areas, from preschool through higher education and for both regular education and special needs students (Stillwater). When students have access to technology and know how to use it effectively, students will show success in basic classroom work and standardized tests. “Students in classes that use computer-aided instruction outperformed their peers on standardized tests of basic skills achievement by 30 percent on average” (Stillwater). Not only will technology affect the students in education, but it will also affect the teachers in the classroom.
If up to date technology was able to be integrated into all classrooms across the world, the role of the teacher may change. “The teacher’s role in a technology-infused classroom often shifts to that of a facilitator or coach rather than a lecturer” (Stillwater). Retention rates in the classroom have shown that when teachers lecture to students, after twenty four hours the student will only remember 5 percent of what was taught. When a teacher shows their students what they will be learning and then allow the students to teach others and do hands on activities, after twenty four hours they will retain anywhere from 50-75 percent (Garling). When teachers are able to use technology in the classroom, collaboration begins to foster among the students. If all students had access to the Internet both at home and in school, teachers would be able to give their students research assignments to learn more about the world and other cultures. Giving students access to technology allows them to be connected to the same information as the millions of other Internet users. The only way for these successes to be brought upon students is to provide all students’ access and the right skills to utilize the Internet effectively.
Lastly, it is important to incorporate technology into the education system to prepare students for the work force. “Today’s work force requires workers to think strategically, analyze information, and collaborate using 21st-century tools and apply knowledge to new situations. Technology in education is intended to improve student achievement in these areas while increasing young people’s abilities to meet the demands of career and work force opportunities when they leave school” (Stillwater). Since the majority of jobs today require basic technology literacy, it is necessary for students to learn how to use technology to their best ability. When students are not given access to technology either in the home or at school, they often do not end up making very much money later in life. “Eight out of ten of the fastest-growing occupations are computer related” (Stillwater). If students do not have access to the Internet during their education, they have a small chance of being successful. The longer students continue to go without the impact of technology in their life, the more their learning and achievement levels are going to be affected negatively. To examine solutions and figure out how to help, continue on to the next page, or click here.For more information visit the following links:
Educational Impact of the Digital Divide - Data concerning the educational impact of the digital divide
Education and the Digital Divide - An academic perspective of the educational impact on the digital divide
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