digital divide

issue in my classroom.......
Hmmm. The interesting thing about the perception of a divide is that I would have to have a better idea of what is on the other side. I know the expectations of the state. I know the performance of my own children. I know what the students in my classroom can do. I consistantly am looking for ways for them to real the state mandated goals and my own personal expectations. I am consistantly frustrated with where we are.

Technologically........No internet access in the classroom. Very limited funding for computers. An aide who works part time and is paid $13 an hour. Non-existant help from parents.

However, I try to focus on what we have and can do. A computer lab. Some lab assistance. Great students who are eager to learn. And my ever expanding skill set.

I plan on using my new skills to incorporate technololgy into our lessons in new and exciting ways. I am so grateful to have had an opportunity to learn new skills. I remain nervous about my ability to troubleshoot and figure out how to get everything to work.

One of the things that is really important to me is to use programs that are readily available so that those students who are lucky enough to have computers at home will be able to show their work to their families and possibly work at home. I plan to allow students time to work at lunch and after school. I hope to find some community people who can help us work on our projects. We have a great responsibilityt and a great opportunity to make a difference in our students lives and I take that responsibility very seriously.