Based off of the last three pages of problems as well as possible solutions, nothing is going to change unless new ideas are implemented and put into place. A few suggestions for change would be to collaborate and find solutions that are not extremely costly and put them into action. For example, in order to fix the problem of not everyone having equal access to the internet and technology, partnering with businesses could change the gap of the digital divide that is visible. Implementing this would create a positive future for everyone in the education world. A school in
Ohio partnered with a special business and turned their school from being a regular school to, Taft Information Technology High School. Another school because of a partnership is having volunteers come to their school every Thursday afternoon to help students in grades four through six. This just goes to show that schools who partner with businesses can have a positive affect on the school and students. It also goes to show that schools who take the initiative to try and minimize the digital divide and provide more access for students can be accomplished.
Another problem that was discussed of accessibility throughout was the problem that not everyone has the same access to resources to help them learn as others do. Although there is libraries where students can get access to resources, the problem of transportation comes up. Not many families would feel comfortable with their young child taking public transportation by their self. A solution to this problem that was discussed was having after school programs available with volunteer tutors. Here in Eugene at one of our local elementary schools, Fairfield Elementary, has an after
school program that is done by volunteers from the University of Oregon. The volunteers provide homework help for the students as well as four after school clubs. This is just another example of a successful idea that was implemented and taken into action. Throughout this blog a lot of problems were addressed as well as possible solutions to bridge the digital divide and provide equal access to all students.
Your problems and solutions for this issue were presented in a clear and comprehensive way. I really enjoyed how each paragraph was dedicated to a different problem/solution - not only did this cover the many aspects of accessibility, it also illustrated how multifaceted this issue is. I agree that partnerships may be schools' saving grace; however, that solution leads to a whole new host of concerns (Who's controlling the content/curriculum? Is it ethical to partner with those who stand to gain financially? Etc.). Real solutions are never easy, but you did a great job suggesting some that might just make a difference.
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