Of the six debates, this debate: Technology has led to a more equitable society, finds me on the fence the most. Continue reading to see which side of the fence I fall on and whether telehealth can address my injuries…(Insert paywall)
All jokes aside (humerus-unbroken), I have long been fearful of public/private partnerships in education. Overlord Zuckerberg (Borg-resistance is futile) has unleashed freebasics to soothe the ailments of the unconnected. India has challenged Facebook Meta on the grounds of net neutrality. The concept and reality of Digital or Electronic Colonialism have arrived. As the saying goes, “Nothing is ever free!”
I do believe (despite what you might have heard in Debate 1), technology has the prospects to close gaps in our society. Like the hopes of the Obama administration trying to create a ‘Future Ready’ America, the deployment of technology can strengthen the world of education. While Meta was trying to provide access for everyone, it was potentially going to create a tiered system. This fails to deliver on high-quality, open-source access. Access and deployment of technology are going to be the real problem, as noted by Sarada & Chi in the debate and former US Secretary of Education Duncan.
Jillian and Danielle did well to highlight the digital divide – the rich get richer. The work of Neuman and Celano in the schools of Philly is very telling, telling of the inequality. From this work, access to technology is like compound interest on education. In the affluent neighbourhoods of Philadelphia, technology is an investment in a high-yielding stock. However, in the ‘badlands’ of Philly, technology is more of a credit card, and despite efforts, the result is more debt. The tech is just plastic and metal, but with the proper and necessary support of adults, technology is beneficial. But hear again, the inequity lies in, not everyone has the support of an adult. Perhaps that adult is there but not very knowledgeable themself.
Another point from ‘Future Ready’ was training for teachers, and in reality, I would say adults. The narratives around the COVID-19 shutdown and elementary students sitting at home without proper support are informing the need for knowledgeable supports – human supports. I look at the stories of laptops being handed out in African nations like Sierra Leone and wonder if it is an attempt at equity or feel-good fuel? Well, based on this research from Kenema, Sierra Leone, one of the needs identified is to invest in technology. Perhaps the deployment of devices can be beneficial.
If you’re still reading, you know that I forgo the profiting of knowledge (no paywall) but probably are keen to know what side of the fence I fall…I AGREE that technology provides equity. I didn’t even touch on Assistive Technology and the benefits for our students with unique needs. It would be the death blow to the disagree side. Of course, if I did fall, 811 wasn’t going to do much beyond tell me to seek in-person healthcare. Something to ponder: Are we really building a fairer future for everyone, or are we just letting it amplify the world’s inequalities?