Article+Summary++ASCD

November 6th, 2010 Summary of article: __Roadblocks on the Information Highway__, (Neuman, 2010) Educational Leadership Volume 68, No. 3, pg 50-53 There is a digital divide that exists between the middle class and lower class homes of America. Statistics show families with incomes around $75,000 and above have home computers. Over 65 percent of all American homes have broad band connections. Of the families with an income of $20,000 to $25,000 around 15 percent have computer access and many of those lack broadband connection. Because of this lack of computer access, lower income students find themselves falling behind in the world of technology and often in overall school work. The availability of computers in libraries and after school help centers is limited because of the number of computers available. One to six computers are not uncommon and waiting lines to use them can be quite long. In libraries, students are also competing for access with adults. Many after school centers have no computers or they are outdated and lack functions needed for completing homework projects. Computers in learning centers and libraries are also time monitored which is difficult for some students who have limited knowledge on how to use them and the process of basic computer functions takes the amount of time allowed to use a computer. Students usually have to come back and re-access the computer several times to accomplish a simple assignment. Conclusion: Schools need to provide more computer access to low income students. Access may mean availability during evenings, weekends, and summer. Lessons may mean integrating computers into classroom instruction and content area and teaching students to navigate through pathways of information. Complex assignments need to be done in school where students can find help to utilize computer skills. Without these changes the digital gap will continue to grow. So What? I need to be aware of financial conditions of my students and take extra effort to include those who have little access to technology when choosing assignments that a computer is necessary.