"No device should ever be hailed as the silver bullet in "saving" education -- nor should it be completely shunned -- but when it comes to the possibility of bridging the digital divide between low-income and high-income students, devices may play a pivotal role.
ccess to the Internet connects kids to all kinds of information — and for low-income students especially, that access has the power to change their social structure by allowing them to become empowered and engaged..."
Would providing students with access to cell phones at school improve their test scores? According to this article the answer is yes. A recent Pew report noted that there are significant differences in students access between higher and lower income schools. A study from QualCom "showed that low-income students’ test scores increased by 30 percent after they were given smartphones to access more information and instruction and to collaborate with their peers."
What should be done to help decrease this digital divide? Below are suggestions from this post. Additional detail is provided (as are links to additional resources).
* Give students access.
* Give students prompts.
* Provide instructional objectives.
* Make yourself available.
* Invite observers to your mobile enhanced class.
* Inventory the devices.
* Use discretion.
* Use everything you have.
* Reframe productivity.
* Teach process not content.
* Value collaboration.