As we read and look at the information that Dr. Lowell wanted us to think about in week 2, I would have to say that the information on pages 12 and 13 of the textbook discusses some of the things we are trying to address, which is access and educational opportunity and does it really exist.  Lets take a look at what the textbook states four important aspects assoicated with access and how they relate to educational opportunities:

1. Access to up-to-date hardware, software, and connectivity:  I think Dr. Lowell hit the nail on the head when he stated; “consider what the term “up-to-date” means” in his most recent blog entry: phaedrus » Blog Archive » Four Barriers? Really?  As educators, we focus on wanting the most current “up-to-date” technology but what is “up-to-date” in regards to technology.  I think we know when something is “out-dated” because one will not be able to use it or will not correspond with todays technology standards.  But anyone who deals with technology knows that the minute you push the button to order your “new computer”, that something newer and better is being invented!

The second access that the books talks about is meaningful, high-quality, and culturally responsive content and the opportunity to contribute to that content.  It is my opinion that the Internet provides this form of access for any educational opprotunity but it is not always utilized by students and teachers.

Thirdly, it states access to educators who know how to use digital tools and resources.  This is interesting because the textbook stated that while schools were “quick to hop on the hardware-acquisition bandwagon, they dedicated very small percentages of budgets to training in how to use these resources”.  I believe that if they are refering to the public educational system, the textbook would be correct.  As an educator, when I see the new technology come into the schools, I find that teachers toss them in the corner because they may have only had a 30 minute training on the equipment and really have no idea how to utilize the technology in their lessons.

And we come to the fourth type of access mentioned in the textbook.  Access to systems sustained by leaders with vision and support for change via technology.  I find that leaders are even worse in utilizing technology because they are not in the classrooms and the most they do with technology is e-mail mean messages out to their staff. :)   Most leaders in the educational systems are quick to purchase technology without actually knowing how it will impact the educational process.

I had a professor once, that was also an Assistant Superintendent of a district in our area, and he stated that he never purchased technology (hardware, software, etc.) unless the principals and teachers could demonstrate the impact that it could have in their school and/or classroom.  So as an educator, I always try to ask myself when I am wanting new equipment, how will this impact me as a teacher and are my students going learn better by having this type of technology.

I think that as educators, we have trouble providing opportunities that allow them “access” through technology because classrooms are not computer labs and even in todays world, not all students have computers with Internet access at home. (OMG can you believe that!)  I am lucky in that I teach in a computer lab and my students do have access but my students haven’t been trained to utilize that access for educational purposes.  Students can find any game but when ask them to research a country, they act as though they don’t know how (go figure:) ).