SUMMARY
The main point that this author was trying to make is that simply having access to technology is NOT enough for all students to be successful. She touches on the fact that while our national graduation rate is increasing, there are "unacceptably low levels of minority, low-income, English Language Learners, and Special Education students graduating from high school" (Ed.gov). She talks about how hardware cannot close that gap, especially when some low-income neighborhoods either don't have access, or don't use it correctly. When doing some research with colleagues, they discovered that there were different ways students were using computers. One way was for remediation, where mostly low-income students were just using the computers for "drill-and-practice". On the other hand, they discovered that students who were white or high income were using the computers for higher-level thinking activities and "authentic applications". Unless something is changed with how those underserved students interact with edtech, there will continue to be that gap between success.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To prevent the undeserved students from using educational technology for just "skill-and-drill", the author gave tips on how to better meaningfully engage those students. Stop using technology only for remediation, let students create original digital content, pick digital tools that promote interactivity and discovery, let students share their expertise with an authentic audience, and finally, find the right blend of teacher and technology.
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REFLECTIONI personally have been fortunate enough to both attend and teach in a district that is very forward moving and privileged when it comes to technology and resources. I have always had at least intermediate computer skills because of my education, which has allowed me to be where I am today and utilize those skills in my field. I am fully aware that there are so many schools out there who do not have as much or any access to the technologies that can be beneficial for so many students. I myself am guilty of having students use technology for remediation/skill building purposes, which I never realized before can cause the students to have negative feelings towards technology. Finally, The article mentions testing out different edtech tools BEFORE using them with students, so that we can fully engage the students in the program and show them how meaningful it really is, rather than just figuring it out as you go.
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