The issues surrounding global equity are daunting, in scope and number. As a technology specialist, I don’t think it would be possible to plan or devise a single program that could address all the issues. Instead I think it is important as a technology specialist to be aware of projects that are designed to identify and address equity issues surrounding access to technology.
It is important to keep in mind that many do not have the price of admission to the technology dinner table. Being aware of what equity issues that are found in your own community is a start. The only way to do this is to be involved in the community, to be part of community outreach to the underprivileged. It would be important to also work a network of individuals as well as organizations, including businesses, who want to be involved in addressing local equity issues. Familiarity with the local culture and resources would promote success in addressing equity issues. Leading by example is an important way of promoting social change. I am a strong believer in community service. Offering technical skills to a service organization or helping underprivileged children learn how to use a computer are just a couple ways of promoting equity at the local level.
Maintaining active membership of a professional organization such as the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is one of the ways the individual technology specialist can work with others on a global level to promote equity. ISTE has numerous advocacy programs at local, state, national, and international levels. Supporting an organization like this is important on a professional as well as personal level.
The key to making sure all have a seat at the technology table is personal involvement. Doing something is much better than doing nothing. Personal involvement in helping others is not only good professionally, but it also feeds the soul.
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Love the title!! You provided helpful information by specifically identifying ways to help "providing technology skills to a service project" or helping children learn..." are great ideas beyond providing the technology.
ReplyDeleteThanks - and I hadn't considered ISTE an option for individual participation - good idea.
- Jennie
Gary-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that there isn’t a panacea for the accessibility to technology. However, many strides have been made. One example is the “One laptop one child” program. There are also other grant programs available now. I joined ISTE not long ago and am glad to hear you promote it as well. Socioeconomic status doesn’t always equate lack of access of technology. How do you plan to be sensitive to gender and cultural issues with regard to educational and technological access when some cultures believe that women and girls do not need to be educated, thus have no need for technology?
Wendi