The reading materials for the Social Justice module made me realize that my ideas about the Digital Divide and its impact on learning and social development were rudimentary and naive. The evaluation of the state of the digital divide is complex, depends on a variety of factors and looks different to different groups.
The development of information technology, Web 2.0 tools, social networking services and media transformed way we learn, what we learn and how we participate not only on the consumption but the creation of knowledge and culture. Having access to the tools as well as the skills and knowledge to use these technologies are fundamental to learning, taking part on the creation and preservation of culture, creating a sense of community based on common interests etc. In 2013, George Siemens was interviewed by Steve Kolowich for The Chronicle of Higher Education. Siemens spoke about how his experiences growing up in a traditional German Mennonite community and his first experiences with technology inspired his Connectivism theory. According to Siemens's theory "learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources….[and] nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning" (Siemens, 2004, p.4).
I must admit that my thoughts around the need for social justice were never linked to equal access to Web 2.0 tools and technology. It may be because I didn't consider access to them as a primary need. This week I had the opportunity to reflect about the importance of bridging the gap of the digital divide as it contributes to the marginalization of individuals, communities and social groups already marginalized in many other ways. Although infrastructure development is crucial to close the gap of the digital divide, it is not the only way to provide support. Teachers educating ourselves and incorporating digital literacy skills as part of the curriculum can be a powerful agent of change.
Kilowich, Steve (2014, January 14). George Siemens gests connected. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved from http://chronicle.com/article/George-Siemens-Gets-Connected/143959/
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for a digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1). Retrieved February 20, 2009 from http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm
Wikipedia, 2015, Digital Divide, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide
The development of information technology, Web 2.0 tools, social networking services and media transformed way we learn, what we learn and how we participate not only on the consumption but the creation of knowledge and culture. Having access to the tools as well as the skills and knowledge to use these technologies are fundamental to learning, taking part on the creation and preservation of culture, creating a sense of community based on common interests etc. In 2013, George Siemens was interviewed by Steve Kolowich for The Chronicle of Higher Education. Siemens spoke about how his experiences growing up in a traditional German Mennonite community and his first experiences with technology inspired his Connectivism theory. According to Siemens's theory "learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources….[and] nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning" (Siemens, 2004, p.4).
I must admit that my thoughts around the need for social justice were never linked to equal access to Web 2.0 tools and technology. It may be because I didn't consider access to them as a primary need. This week I had the opportunity to reflect about the importance of bridging the gap of the digital divide as it contributes to the marginalization of individuals, communities and social groups already marginalized in many other ways. Although infrastructure development is crucial to close the gap of the digital divide, it is not the only way to provide support. Teachers educating ourselves and incorporating digital literacy skills as part of the curriculum can be a powerful agent of change.
Kilowich, Steve (2014, January 14). George Siemens gests connected. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved from http://chronicle.com/article/George-Siemens-Gets-Connected/143959/
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for a digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1). Retrieved February 20, 2009 from http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm
Wikipedia, 2015, Digital Divide, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide