Can educators provide equal access to technology?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if educators could provide equal access to technology for their students? But unfortunately, this is not something that I believe is possible. The technology available to students is lacking. Most schools have very few computers in the classrooms. And a student's access to a school computer lab is limited. Educators must create a "timeshare" system for the students. When projects that require internet access are assigned, students should be allowed to take turns at any classroom computers or given permission to use computer labs to complete the project.

I also believe it is the educator's duty to ensure that technology is used in lessons. This will at least allow for the students to learn the necessary skills for utilizing technology tools. With websites such as DonorsChoose.org, teachers can request donations for projects that require technology in the classroom. But we also need to ensure that technology becomes a focus in school budgets.

While we can try to make technology equally accessible in the schools, the real issue is that teachers cannot control the access that a student has to technology at home. Students living in poverty are lucky to have three meals a day, let alone internet access! Over time, I hope internet access becomes free or inexpensive enough to allow all students to have access to technology at home.