A fellow JOMC713 student, Leslie Garner, recently posted about her fears related to the “Global Integration of Technology and 21st Century Education” on her blog, Torch Flickers. I share some of Leslie’s concerns about technology and education inequity. In particular, the question of whether or not increases in technology-based education will widen the global digital divide even came up when I was conducting my research on technology and economic development.
As access and connectivity are introduced into developing countries and communities, opportunities for educational reform are created. In many instances, the introduction of information and communication technologies is targeted toward women and children. In some cases where technology is used to promote the economic development and independence of women, the women proceed to use the same technology in educating and developing their children. It may be in a day care setting or in the development or reformation of the educational system.
This book chapter excerpt looks at why technology in education is important, even as poverty and illiteracy remain issues. It states that even if a computer does not do much today, “the benefits tomorrow are potentially enormous.” One of the keys is to not only provide the technology, but the education and training to utilize it effectively. More simply stated, the chapter indicates that “it is better to teach people how to fend for themselves.” It further states that the countries and communities “simply cannot afford to be marginalized by not participating in the knowledge world.”
One thing that I had not thought about is that if a country does not keep pace with digital progress, its youth may go elsewhere to pursue better educational and employment opportunities, “possibly to never return and help their own country in its evolution.” I believe that this is an unfortunate, potential consequence of failing to integrate technology into education.
Elementary schools are incorporating computers into the curriculum, installing Smart Boards into classrooms, providing ways for students to connect to school networks remotely. On the middle and high school levels, students are being encouraged or required to take courses online, utilize technology for projects and assignments, and include flash drives as part of their school supplies. In higher education, we have witnessed an increase in proprietary schools offering distance education, a surge in online and hybrid courses, and educational collaboration on a global level.
As we see increases in educational technology, I believe that we must keep pace with the advances.
