DC

   Digital Access:  is the availability and accessibility of the use of technology by society.

Example - easy access of internet browsing.

 

Digital Access one of the key components in understanding digital citizenship. Today’s society is changing immensely and as a result so is the educational world and the way our students are educated.

 

Students are learning in new ways that were inconceivable when parents and teachers were students. As the technology appears within the classroom and in the world around us, it is crucial to identify the importance for all students to be participants in this digital society.

 

It is the responsibility of parents and teachers to ensure that all students have equal opportunities in terms of technology access and use within the classroom as well as the opportunity for all to be involved in today’s digital culture.

 

Technology opportunities are rapidly developing outside the classroom, from computers at the local library to the internet access on the cell phone, to internet capabilities through video games, children today are absorbed in access to technology.

 

It is important to understand equitable access. Students deserve an equal opportunity to have access to technology. Equitable access refers to the opportunity for all students to have equal access in using technology. While we must recognize that not every province, district, school and classroom may have the exact same opportunities available because of  limited financial resources and so forth, the opportunities that exist for one child in a classroom should exist for the other children within that same classroom.

 

In addition, it is important for the parents to provide that access outside the school when possible. Whether that means taking your children to the library or to a relative's house, provide them with supervised and educational opportunities to engage in and participate in today's developing computer skills.  As important as it is to be aware of fair access, it is also critical to understand that student learners have different needs.

 

Some children or students require glasses, some prefer to sit near the front of the classroom. Accessing technology often involves providing accommodations for some students. Educators and parents need to be aware of those learners' needs and provide them with essential tools for successful use of technology. For example, some students with vision deficiencies may require a magnifier to view the computer screen more easily or they could use a text to speech program to help them when using a computer. Physical disabilities of students may require the use of other assistive software such as a modified keyboard. The key point to understand is that all students should be provided with an opportunity to use technology effectively and successfully.

 

http://www.teachinctrl.org/lessons/livingdigitalworld.php