Module 7 - Assistive Technologies and Digital Equity

Digital equity means ensuring that all students have equal access and opportunity to digital tools, resources, and services to increase digital knowledge, awareness, and skills.

Ensuring digital equity in the classroom takes thought and attention. Assessing student’s needs through evaluation should be an ongoing process. It is essential that educators get to know their students at a deep and meaningful level. What are students’ academic strengths? Weaknesses? Are there physical impairments which require accommodation? Cognitive impairments? The heart of an educator should always be concerned with seeing each student realize his or her full potential.

Fortunately, many assistive technologies exist which make this possible. There are tools to help the visually impaired and hearing impaired. There are tools to help those who are physically or cognitively challenged. If there is a need, educators should research ways that the need can be met to ensure student success.

In the instance of an ELL student who is just beginning school, there are many tools available to help teachers communicate with them in meaningful ways. Simple applications can be downloaded on smart phones which translate languages. These tools will be especially helpful when communicating with parents who do not speak English.

Some things educators must consider in the classroom include making sure all students have equal access to technology. Not all students have devices and internet access at home. These students must be allowed to complete online assignments in the classroom. They may need extra assistance in learning to use their device or application.

Group projects are great for encouraging peer assistance and collaboration to ensure each student receives attention, instruction, and learning. Educators must be mindful when forming groups to pair students with varying abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.

It is also helpful for educators to allow flexibility in meeting requirements. This allows students to display their knowledge in creative ways. Some students may struggle to communicate verbally, while others may struggle with written communication. When allowed to submit work in a variety of ways, students are able to fully demonstrate their understanding of the material.

In my future classroom, I plan to ensure digital equity by getting to know my students and their individual needs. We are seeing more and more ELLs and special education students in the traditional classroom. This is a wonderful thing! It teaches children the value of diversity and differences in learning styles. Students learn to empathize with one another, and together we can seek ways to ensure every single student is successful in the classroom.