As a leader in educational technology, I see it as my responsibility to ensure that access is available to all who desire it. Gender differences do not typically offer any challenges as men and women are equally represented and given access to the technology that is available in the settings I am involved with.
Cultural differences are also minimized but the difference is usually felt generationally rather than strictly by geographic cultural climates. The younger generations are typically more adapted and accepting to technology and see it as a natural extension of our innate abilities. The older generations can be resistant to change or see technology as unnecessary “toys.”
The sensitivity that needs to be monitored the most in settings I work is socioeconomic. There are a lot of people who think that everyone has a computer and/or access to the internet. There are a good many families that are rural, poor, and/or migrant in nature and they do not have the means or consistent surroundings to make the investment in electronic technology. Oddly, these same families invariably will have cell phones, including for their children, which can give them access, although it may be limited.
My responsibility is to be cognizant of these , and any other considerations, and do what I can to level the playing field so all have access and can take advantage of the benefits of technology in learning and life in general.
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteYou talked about socioeconomic problems...yet owning cell phones...
This idea reminds me of one of my lessons from freshman year college. it was in a class called environmental design. One of the lectures talked about college campuses and trails. He explained that trails were due to bad planning because students will inevitably take the shortest path to class.
I connect this to the cell phone idea because this is the shortest path...digital connections. Most nations with financial problems, don't have the money to build infrastructure. However, if parts can connect together without infrastructure then technology can thrive.
My topic was on offering a universal internet that runs similar to cellular, cheap, and competitive with broadband wireless.
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some great points about socio-economic effects with regards to technology. I know that this can be a challenging topic to grasp because we think of money as the solution but we also have to look at the effects of change as well as the benefits. Do you agree?