I have learnt so much in last 2 weeks about the effective use
of ICT in education today. So much so that I am introducing a computer game to
my son so that he can be familiar with a keyboard and mouse.
However, at the same time, my thought of “what about those
who don’t have Internet access at home??” has been bothering me. According to the table below, approximately 12%
of entire population in Australia did not have Internet access in 2012. Yes, Public Internet access lets you go online
easily but how about if you live remotely, or if you need an access after-hours
because you have a part time job after school.
Children of economically disadvantaged parents lack access to resources and
opportunities. So, as we introduce and encourage the use of ICT in education
setting, are we creating more gaps within the society? How do we tackle this? I
have to do more readings……and I would like to hear your opinions.
<<Internet Growth and Population Statistics>>
|
YEAR
|
Users
|
Population
|
% Pop.
|
G.N.I. p.c.
|
Usage Source
|
|
2000
|
6,600,000
|
19,521,900
|
33.8 %
|
$19,992 ('00)
|
|
|
2007
|
14,729,191
|
20,434,176
|
70.2 %
|
$21,650 ('06)
|
|
|
2009
|
16,926,015
|
21,262,641
|
79.6 %
|
$32,220 ('06)
|
|
|
2012
|
19,554,832
|
22,015,576
|
88.8 %
|
$43,740 ('11)
|
G.N.I.p.c.
= Per Capita Gross
National Income in US dollars,
(source: http://www.internetworldstats.com/sp/au.htm)
Hi Miki
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog you have created here :)
Regarding to bring ICT to education, i really think it is great idea only if we do it right.
You are right about it may create more gap in society, and there already gaps between those families, and that is why I recon school or education system is responsible to make sure if we this, we do it right.
So bring ICT to school should reduce those gaps, making sure all learners are able to explore to the world of technology on a equal ground, now the question is how we do this haha? That is something we will find out from this course I hope;)
Thanks
Tina
Yes the access to the internet at home can be a problem.To overcome this teachers can allow students to come into the classroom early so they can complete learning activities.
ReplyDeleteThe use of mobile devices that can access the wireless internet can be loaned to students so they can complete activities.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere are many libraries over in Europe providing students with 24-hour access to the Internet free of charge (I guess it must be the same here in Australia). I remember I didn't have the Internet for about 3 months (this is how long it took to organise wifi at our place) and I spent hours at my local library doing assignments for my course. It was a life saver!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. That's a great example - I think & hope that Ausralia would move to the same direction. Provision of equal education opportunity should be nation's priority.
DeleteHi Miki, I am writing this comment to ask you to be my Blog Buddy. You will find an explanation of what I mean by Blog Buddy at this post http://joluck.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/blog-buddies.html.
ReplyDeleteIf you agree that will be fantastic and I will commit to reading and commenting on your blog once a week.
Cheers Jo
Of course Jo!! Thank you for asking me to be your buddy!
Delete