Topic 9

Digital Access

Digital access refers to full electronic participation in society. It is important for technology users to understand that not everyone has the same level of access to digital technology. This gap between those who have access and those who do not is often referred to as the digital divide.

In the school system, this includes equitable access for all students, accommodations for those with special needs and programs for increasing digital access outside of schools.

Digital Access

What Does It Mean To Have Digital Access?

Digital access is the ability to fully participate in digital society. This includes access to tools and technologies, such as the Internet and computers, that allow for full participation. Unfortunately, not everyone has complete digital access and therefore, are not able to fully participate in digital society. The separation between those who have complete access and those who do not is referred to as the Digital Divide.

The Digital Divide:

There are many levels of digital access - some individuals have more and others have less. There are many reasons why a digital divide exists. These include lack of resources to pay for hardware, technology, and Internet access; lack of electricity; lack of education and knowledge about the use of technology; and physical limitations that limit access.

The good news is that the digital divide appears to be shrinking over time. This is due to several factors:

the cost of hardware required for digital access, especially computers, is decreasing
the usability of websites is slowly increasing, making them more user-friendly
access to broadband connections is increasing in the United States

TOPIC NEWSLETTER

Common Sense Media Curriculum, with supplemental lesson suggestions.

Why is digital access important?

Digital access is becoming increasingly important in the 21st century. Not having access to digital technologies can have significant social and economic consequences for both the individual and society as a whole. It is vital that educators take every measure appropriate and possible to provide students with the digital technology access and skills so critical to success as a 21st century citizen.

What is the Digital Divide? - 2 min 40 sec

What is the Digital Divide? - 2 min

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology may be a device, an app, software, or a piece of equipment that facilitates the use of computers, electronic devices, and technology in general for individuals with special needs. These helpful tools can be purchased, but many of them are free of charge in the form of apps or software. There are also websites, such as the World Wide Web Consortium that supply information about accessibility.

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology, or AT, refers to technologies that are used by people with disabilities to perform functions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. AT includes assistive, adaptive and rehabilitative devices, software and hardware, such as the following: dictation software, screen readers, screen magnifiers, speech to text software, and alternative keyboards. Providing AT to those who require it is an important aspect of ensuring digital access to all.

Examples of Assistive Technology in Action

Watch the videos below to learn how AT is being used by students in schools across the country.

Why is assistive technology important?

Providing AT to students who need it is important because it helps them to participate more equitably in the classroom and in society. As educators, we are responsible for preparing students for life after school. For our students who are disabled, this means exposing them to technologies that can help them do what they otherwise would not be able to do. Also, providing AT to students who need it is required by law.

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