Digital Divide

After reading this article, it is clear that a Digital Divide exists, however, pointing it out may be more difficult of a task.

Lower performing districts are purchasing computers and more technologies, however, they are using them for drill practice and remedial instruction. This differs from the higher performing districts because they are using the technology to allow students to demonstrate higher-order thinking skills.

First of all, this is happening because schools are rated based upon how students perform on standandized tests. Therefore, teachers simply "teach to the test". Some of the lower level districts are even offering merit-based pay to those teachers who are performing well on tests, fueling the desire for teachers to drill the students.

What needs to be understood is that these tests are not the answer to good teaching. If we simply stick to instructing the lower level skills, teachers are never going to see their students show true growth that will demonstrate their ability to think critically and solve problems. We need to invest in good teachers, and good teaching. Teaching that encourages skill practice to solve an authentic problem. This lends itself to more meaningful and long-lasting learning.

Technology can be a great asset to a district. But the money put into can be better utilized if it is used to help students solve realistic problems and gain access to information f or inquiry-based learning.