14.2 access to technology
How do we start ensuring PARITY in Access? The first step is to realize that our students are INDIVIDUALS.
NEVER ASSUME THAT ALL STUDENTS HAVE THE SAME LEVEL OF ACCESS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL.
RESPONSE: either provide enough class time for computer driven assignments, or make sure students have school computer access before and after school.
So if Johnny needs more computer time, either let him come in early, or release him from some other activity in the class to work on the computers.
If Sally needs more time at the computer, build it into your lessons for her.
Isn't this a lot of work? YES!
Would you tell students that they had an assignment in a book that they could not take home? How would you design the class so this would work? It is the same principle.
SOME SOLUTIONS:
If the teacher is required to be in school for a half hour after school, see if the students can stay to finish their assignment.
OR have the next assignment ready for students who finish their work earlier than others.
OR use a model from Lucy Miller (1997 Technology Teacher of the Year)... have the students who are better with the computers coach the other students.
The next several pages cover important concepts in ensuring PARITY.
Copyright 1998 by Christopher I. Cobitz
Questions regarding this page may be sent to Christopher I Cobitz