The Great Divide: The Chasm Created in the Technological World
The fifth debate topic for EC&I 830 was a challenging one. Technology is exciting and can be extremely beneficial in the educational world, but on a larger scale, it is apparent that there are alarming inequities that technology only serves to amplify.
Our debaters highlighted several positive aspects of technology and how it has created opportunities where previously none existed, or if they did, they were minimal. Technology has created free or low-cost access to information, where previously people had much more limited access, or information came at a high cost.
Additionally, assistive technology helps those with disabilities to overcome educational challenges, narrowing the educational gap. Assistive technology can enable people to enhance communication, improve numeracy skills, and increase their independence and confidence. Assistive technology can allow students with disabilities to demonstrate their capabilities rather than highlighting their limitations, ultimately bolstering their self-worth. While assistive technology can be a transformative support that serves as a powerful equalizer in inclusive education, it presents challenges. Assistive technology can be expensive and may require staff training. It also often requires someone to advocate for the technology to be purchased and utilized. Not all school divisions and communities have the funding and availability to implement assistive technology.
The debate also mentioned the benefits of global connectivity and how technology creates learning opportunities for people in areas with unreliable or no infrastructure. Programs like the “digital school in a box” have reached parts of the world that previously had very little or no access to consistent education and technology. These innovations in digital technology are redefining educational norms and creating new channels for learning.
These opportunities create hope in the technological world of education, but we still have a lot to be concerned about in terms of inequities. While technology fuels cultural connectivity and creativity like never before, it can also exacerbate inequities. Low income families, older adults, and people living in rural locations are increasingly disadvantaged as society becomes more dependent on technology and the digital divide grows.
Ultimately, technology is not the problem, but rather, it is a reflection of the social power structures that already exist. Large corporations take advantage of tech opportunities to dominate the internet economy. This only serves to widen the gap between the haves and have nots. Educators and leaders in education realize that technology literacy is no longer optional but essential for future generations to have a fighting chance in having a role to play in the economy of the world to come.
“Policymakers must acknowledge that closing the digital divide involves addressing interconnected challenges—affordability, infrastructure quality, digital literacy, and equitable participation—to ensure technology promotes inclusion instead of exclusion. It is vital for all citizens to fully participate in the digital era to foster inclusive growth and avert the deepening of existing social and economic divides.” – Aminah Mustapha
4 thoughts on “The Great Divide: The Chasm Created in the Technological World”
I appreciate your posts’ well-rounded objectivity on this topic. I would agree that adaptive technology is key to closing learning gaps or other challenges that exist. Cost, both money and time, is the headache, unfortunately. I see great potential with dropping technology into underserved communities like sub-Saharan Africa; however, in the case of the Vodafone program, it is only free to current customers. It would be great to see corporations collaborate to eliminate costs.
When you talk about technology reflecting social power structures, I can visualize a mirror being held up to society, showing us where the lack of equity lies through a new lens. I also come back to a personal example, how my aunts and uncles used technology to locate their cousin living in Ukraine when the conflict escalated in 2022. Thanks to Facebook and Whatsapp, everyone was able to help him get his wife and daughters to Canada, with him following them as soon as his required military service was completed. This never would have happened without technology. I also think about the power of technology when it comes to inspiring change and pushing governments into action… like you said, it’s holding up a mirror to the inequality and we can’t pretend we don’t see it anymore.
Hi Vanessa!
Such a great post! You have a great balance of talking about the benefits of technology without ignoring the inequity that still exists. An example of this is when you spoke of all the ways assistive technology can aid those who need it, but it comes at an expensive price point that not everyone can afford. Can there be equity if you have to break the bank to buy what you need? I would think no. Your statement that technology highlights the flaws in the existing social structures is very true, and shows that technology may not be creating equity like we think it is. I know since this debate, I have been very aware of the access to technology people have around me, especially the access to newer tech. Thank you for your reflections!
Hi Vanessa,
Your blog entry raises critical and relevant points about the debated topic. Your statement that “technology is not the problem, but rather, it is a reflection of the social power structures that already exist” resonated especially strongly with me. As an immigrant from a developing economy, this is also the unfortunate reality, even more so than in this developed country. This statement emphasizes the fact that while technology has the potential to democratize learning opportunities, it also runs the risk of codifying the very inequalities we are trying to eliminate.
I agree with you that while assistive technology enables students with disabilities to demonstrate their strengths and build self-confidence, this is subject to availability, affordability, and digital literacy. This leads me to ask: Are policymakers doing enough to ensure the ongoing funding and directives towards assistive technology in schools, regardless of socioeconomic or geographical factors?