Lesson 1: Digital Equity

Standard 5: 

5.1. Digital Equity- Facilitate equitable access to digital tools and resources, including adaptive and assistive technologies, to support the diverse needs of all learners (In other words, ensure your unit integrates online technologies, and resources to support the diversified learners). 

Objectives:

• Objective 1: Understand and identify the various dimensions and implications of digital equity in a global educational context.

• Objective 2: Develop strategies to ensure all students have equal access to digital resources and opportunities, regardless of their socio-economic status.

• Objective 3: Implement educational technology solutions that cater to the diverse learning needs and abilities of students.

What do we know about Digital Equity (DE) and Assistive Technology (AT)?

Digital Equity: Refers to the fair and unbiased access to digital tools, resources, and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, physical abilities, or geographical location.

• Closes the digital divide, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital age

• Crucial in education for equal access to technology and digital learning

• Addresses disparities in technology access, internet connectivity, and digital skills

Assistive Technology: Comprises a range of specialized tools, devices, or software designed to help individuals with disabilities or diverse learning needs. These technologies compensate for the challenges that individuals may face in their daily lives, including education.

• Reduces barriers to learning and promotes equal access

• Supports physical, sensory, cognitive, and communication impairments

• Empowers diverse learners, enhancing independence, engagement, and academic success

Examples: Screen readers, speech recognition software, and text-to-speech software

To learn more about DE and AT, watch the following videos:

Discussion

Read the following articles:

• Hall, J., Roman, C., Jovel-Arias, C., & Young, C. (2020). Pre-service teachers examine digital equity amidst schools' COVID-19 responses. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 28(2), 435-442. 

  • https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/216180/paper_216180.pdf 

• Cavanaugh, T. (2002). The need for assistive technology in educational technology. AACE Review (formerly AACE Journal), 10(1), 27-31. 

  • https://www.learntechlib.org/p/17778/article_17778.pdf 

Once you complete the readings, head over to Padlet and write a 2-3 sentence summary of each article

1. What surprised you the most?

2. How does this apply to your classroom?

Assignment

Instructions:

• In this assignment, you will demonstrate your understanding of assistive technology and your ability to plan its integration into your future classroom. You will create a video presentation outlining your strategies for incorporating assistive technology to support diverse learners.

• Begin with a brief introduction, present the assistive technology tool or devices you identified in your research explaining why you chose that tool and how it aligns with your teaching objectives.

• Discuss how you plan to incorporate these technologies into your classroom, including:

  • Specific lesson examples where you would use each tech

  • How you would introduce the tech to your students

  • How you would support students in using the technology effectively

  • Any professional development needs for yourself or colleagues

• Submission:

  • Submit your video in the following Flip class link: https://flip.com/bec238d2 

Reflection

Padlet Activity

• Reflect on your learning and planning. Write a thoughtful response to the following question:

  • What are the key takeaways from your research on digital equity and assistive technology and its benefits for diverse learners?

• Upload your reflection on the following Padlet link: https://padlet.com/jdo255_/etc645-reflections-qunx0wqgd4yk1yrf