Debating the role of technology in creating a more equitable society is both a challenging and enlightening experience. Recently, I found myself on the “agree” side of this debate, tasked with advocating for the equitable use of technology in education. This was no easy feat, especially considering the formidable arguments the “disagree” side presented, highlighting the complexities and pitfalls associated with technology integration. Nevertheless, the discussion underscored the crucial role technology could play in levelling the educational playing field when implemented thoughtfully and inclusively.
The Agree Side: Advocating for Equity Through Technology
In preparing for the debate, I drew extensively from several vital readings. Suzanne K. Damarin’s (2000) article, “The ‘Digital
Divide’ Versus Digital Differences: Principles for Equitable Use of Technology in Education” was foundational. Damarin argues that addressing the digital divide is not simply about providing access to technology but ensuring that all students can benefit from its use. She introduces five principles for equitable technology use: parsimony, accessibility, multiplicity, separability, and full utility. These principles are designed to guide educators in integrating technology in ways that are cost-effective, inclusive, and tailored to the diverse needs of students.
Additionally, the article “Improving Education for a More Equitable World: Futurist Perspectives” by Li and Liang (2024) highlighted the persistent inequalities in education due to factors like income, gender, and race, exacerbated by crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This piece emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to educational improvement, incorporating comparative and international perspectives.
Monica Sulecio de Alvarez and Camille Dickson-Deane (2018), in their work “Avoiding Educational Technology Pitfalls for Inclusion and Equity,” discuss the importance of designing technology integration from a cultural perspective. They argue that educational technology should empower learners and support profound, meaningful learning experiences, avoiding pitfalls like viewing learners as mere consumers of technology or ignoring learners’ autonomy.
The Disagree Side: Highlighting the Complexities
The opposing side raised several critical points. The documentary “Without A Net” discusses the challenges of securing up-to-date devices, connectivity, and teacher training in the USA, highlighting the limitations of providing technology without adequate support.
The article “Shaping Youth Discourse About Technology: Technological Colonization, Manifest Destiny, and the Frontier Myth in Facebook’s Public Pedagogy” argues that large social media companies perpetuate colonial behaviours by shaping user identities, presenting ethical concerns about technology’s role in education.
“The Digital Divide in Canada,” a quantitative study by Statistics Canada, provides data showing the gap in internet use and access, underscoring the disparities between the “haves” and “have-nots.” These compelling points highlighted the need for a nuanced approach to technology integration.
Personal Reflections: The Private School Experience
As a high school math teacher at a private school where technology is integrated into every classroom, I’ve witnessed firsthand how access to technology can create a more equitable learning environment. Our school mandates that every student has access to a computer; for those who cannot afford one, the school provides the necessary devices. This policy ensures that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have equal access to the tools they need to succeed.
In my classroom, technology has transformed the learning experience. Interactive simulations, online resources, and collaborative tools have made math more engaging and accessible for all students. The ability to tailor learning experiences to individual needs through adaptive software has been particularly beneficial, allowing each student to learn at their own pace and style. This experience has reinforced my belief in the potential of technology to foster educational equity when implemented thoughtfully and supported adequately. The photo to the right is the reality of my classroom. All students have computers, all the time. They have equitable access.
Navigating the Debate: An Uncomfortable but Enlightening Journey
Being on the “agree” side of this debate was challenging, especially when faced with the nuanced and well-supported arguments of the “disagree” side. It was uncomfortable to navigate the complexities and acknowledge the legitimate concerns about technology’s role in perpetuating inequalities and ethical issues. However, this discomfort was also enlightening. It underscored the importance of advocating for access to technology and ensuring its effective and equitable use.
The debate highlighted that while technology alone is not a panacea, it can be a powerful tool for promoting educational equity when combined with comprehensive strategies that address connectivity, training, and cultural responsiveness. By focusing on these aspects, we can harness technology’s potential to bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.
In conclusion, the debate on the role of technology in education is complex and multifaceted. It requires a balanced approach that considers both the opportunities and the challenges. My experience at a private school has shown that technology can lead to a more equitable society with the right policies and support. However, this requires ongoing commitment, thoughtful implementation, and a willingness to address the underlying issues contributing to the digital divide.
10 Comments
Greg Hetterley
Hi, Allysia!
Thanks for your debate the other day, and thanks for being honest about the discomfort that is also brought upon. I feel, and you probably know this, that we do some of our best learnings when things are uncomfortable. It really makes us question ourselves and all those around us. We might think on thing, but something like this debate causes us to view things in a larger or more detailed scope. I find your response and the way you conducted yourself in the debate admirable. You were super open to learning and acknowledged that your perspective/experience is special in the school you work at. It sounds amazing the set up you have! The whole point of this course, at least I think haha, was looking at things differently. I definitely get the vibe that you will be looking at things differently!
Hetterley
Allysia Doratti
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! I completely agree that some of our best learning happens when we step out of our comfort zones and challenge our perspectives. In those moments of discomfort, we grow the most, and debates like these really push us to see things from a broader and more detailed perspective.
I’m glad you found my openness and conduct during the debate admirable. It’s important to acknowledge and reflect on our unique experiences, and I’m fortunate to work in a school with a great setup. However, I also understand that different environments bring different challenges and insights.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I want to express my deep gratitude for your unwavering support. This course has indeed been about looking at things differently, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and evolving alongside all of you.
Savannah Pinfold
Hi Allysia! I think that you have such a unique experience working in a private school that has the funding for 1-1 technology. With your debate, I think that this experience really helped me understand the topic by adding a personal touch – which is something every teacher enjoys! Not every school has 1-1 technology, or the tech is outdated/broken – that is usually my experience. It can make me frustrated at times and I start to really devalue it in its entirety – but knowing that technology can be equitable and DOES indeed work for teachers in their classrooms is the kick I needed to rekindle some interest in the topic. Thanks for sharing!
Allysia Doratti
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad to hear that my experience with 1-1 technology in a private school added a personal touch and helped you understand the topic better. I can certainly understand the frustration when technology is outdated or unavailable, and it can indeed be challenging to see its value in such circumstances.
It’s heartening to know that sharing my perspective has rekindled your interest in the topic. Technology can be equitable and effective when properly implemented, and I hope to continue to explore ways to make it work in all educational settings.
Thanks again for your feedback. I’m looking forward to more discussions about how we can navigate these challenges together.
Mariah Mazur
Great post Allysia! Debating the role of technology in creating a more equitable society is indeed challenging. I felt the same feelings as you when I was debating that AI will not revolutionize the classroom. Despite the challenge, however, I feel that I am better for it.
The points you made about ensuring that all students benefit from technology, not just providing access, are important. I found the principles from Damarin’s article particularly insightful so thank you for sharing it with the class!
Allysia Doratti
Debating the role of technology in creating a more equitable society is indeed a complex challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’m glad you felt the same and found value in the experience. Ensuring that all students benefit from technology, beyond just providing access, is a crucial point, and I’m pleased that the principles from Damarin’s article resonated with you. Thank you for your engagement and for sharing your insights with the class. Together, we can continue to explore and implement strategies that promote equity and enhance learning for all students.
Kavita
Hello Allysia,
First of all, I would like to say that I am extremely impressed with the way you created it. It seems like an expert with extensive knowledge has written this. Regarding the content, your balanced approach to equitable access to technology is truly commendable. In the debate, you highlighted Suzanne K. Damarin’s five principles, and I can imagine how incorporating those principles into our teaching can effectively address and solve various smaller issues.
Allysia Doratti
Thank you so much for your kind words and positive feedback!
I’m glad you found the approach to equitable access to technology balanced and effective. Incorporating Suzanne K. Damarin’s five principles into our teaching can help address various issues and promote a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Your support and engagement in these discussions are genuinely appreciated.
Thank you again for your encouragement. I want to assure you of my unwavering commitment to our collaborative efforts to enhance education through thoughtful technology integration. I look forward to our continued work together.
Aradhana Sapru
A great debate and a to the point blogpost, Allysia. I admired your tenacity when you were debating and agree that being on the agree side is difficult but enlightening. There are many concerns when you have technology with each student in the classroom, and having no TA is challenging. Thanks for bringing this perspective in the course.
Allysia Doratti
I’m glad you enjoyed the debate and the blog post. Being on the agree side was challenging, but it also provided a valuable opportunity to deeply explore and understand the potential and concerns of technology in education. The lack of a TA in such scenarios is a significant challenge, and it’s essential to address these issues thoughtfully.
I appreciate your engagement and support throughout the course and look forward to continuing these critical conversations.