Equity Through Technology -Dr. India White

Digital resources have been a trusted resource to enhance student achievement across the nation. However, when there is a lack of resources, this contributes a lack of student achievement. Research shows that in regard to digital and equitable resources for students provided in classrooms across the U.S., there is a significant disparity of students in poverty obtaining digital resources compared to their peers.

 NCES report found that a higher percentage of students in suburban areas had fixed broadband access at home than students in rural areas, with the largest difference noted for students in remote rural areas. For example, the percentage of students in remote rural (65 percent) and distant rural areas (66 percent) with fixed broadband access was lower than in other locales, with percentages ranging from 70 percent in distant towns to 85 percent in large suburbs. 

The disparities in technology have led to an increase in the achievement gap between Whites and students of color. It has left teachers and district leaders seeking ways to bridge this gap and accelerate student learning. Further, an article recently produced on student learning in New York found that three million students across the United States stopped going to classes, virtual or in person, after the pandemic began. A disproportionate number of those disengaged students are low-income Black, Latino and Native American children who have struggled to keep up in classrooms that are partly or fully remote. Therefore, with this given information, it is imperative that teachers do all within their ability to provide equitable instruction for all learners. 

 Innovative Strategies for Equitable Instruction

Equitable instruction and student success are attainable through innovative teaching strategies and effective math programs.  Some innovate strategies include: 

·      Jigsaws – Use Jigsaws as a way of implementing diversity and inclusion through group work while students complete projects on the computer. 

·      Inquiry learning – Through inquiry learning, you can really get students involved through questioning, and connecting their own experiences to the connect to make it relevant to them. Since it’s been said that we retain 75% of what we do compared to 5% of what we hear and 10% of what we read, inquiry learning is a great way to challenge learners while they work online on projects, quizzes and other assignments. 

·      Digital Resources, i.e. Kahoot- Through fun and innovative digital resources, learners can take their knowledge and strive to gain a higher level of proficiency with their peers. 

·      Cross-over teaching- Cross over teaching takes place when educators can assign standards and lessons that cover multiple areas of learning, i.e., STEM adventures, college readiness projects and more. 

 Other Resources

Teachers can also teach learners through smartboards, collaboration, virtual reality, and smart computing. When equity is implemented effectively through technology, the chances of academic success are inevitable. 

Equitable Programs

To implement technology in a way that is fair and resourceful for all learners, teachers should look for equitable programs to complement their teaching practices. For example, digital programs that provide lesson planning, instructional design, research, technology, and graphic organizers can help assist an educator in providing equity during instruction. Further, other programs such as digital supports, interactive digital platforms, online learning tools, videos that support STEAM, math tools for fun, apps that help with homework and instructional videos truly help lead each learner to the next phase of learning.

 Other items for consideration include having a multi-language glossary, family letters, tools for audio needs and programs that assist ELL/ESOL learners and learners with diverse backgrounds. Programs should also have features that help with assessments, differentiation, and vocabulary for measurement of growth. These features coupled with building solid relationships with learners will truly help provide academic support and success of students.

Conclusion

When striving to implement equity through technology, there must be an intentional effort to include digital and innovate resources through equitable instruction. As teachers choose these resources listed above they will begin to see achievement gap decrease and an improvement in overall student achievement.