Read the summary (only) of report focusing on Home Broadband Adoption 2010 --http://www.pewinternet.org/Commentary/2010/February/FCC-Broadband-Adoption-and-Use-in-America.aspx.
In the comments section of this posting, include three findings that are important for teachers.
You are encouraged to read (and post comments on) other scholars' comments.
After reading this blog, I learned that the percentage of adult American Internet users is quite high and a large percentage of those users are using broadband. Of the non-users, many of them cannot afford broadband, but would use it if they could. I thought it was interesting that the use of mobile devices is increasing at a rate that is higher than non-mobile devices. When you read reports that our students are using cell phones, ipods and other mobile devices at increasing rates, we, as teachers, must realize the importance of changing our teaching strategies to include the use of these devices in our classrooms. There is no doubt that the percentage of adult users of the Internet will increase in the future. This number will increase even more if the Obama plan of updating broadband becomes reality. The other implication for us as teachers is that we must continue to offer training to all students in every socio-economic bracket. A third point that we teachers must grasp is that we need to effectively use the Internet ourselves and familiarize ourselves with technology and the uses of the Internet to keep up with our students. How many teachers in your building are not comfortable with technology?
ReplyDeleteThis blog reinforced that most people in the United States know roughly how to use the internet. Most of the people that we deal with as educators in the list are the digital hopefuls or are knowledgeable. They know how to work it, but do not have it in their homes. It can be especially difficult when doing projects in class that require use of the internet or computers. I am lucky that in my district they have computers for all 8th through 12th graders. It makes it easier for us to be able to do a project and not worry about computers in the lab working or having enough for each student. I do think that also helps since a good portion of our books are now available via the web and most classes with that only have class sets and if students have homework they have to get online at home which is the problem with the digital hopefuls and I believe there is a system for that as well. I know those on the digitally distant and uncomfortable are becoming fewer and fewer as the population grows older, we will have more people savvy about how to work the computer. I think it will be interesting what devices are allowed and how we utilize the internet and technology in our classes.
ReplyDeleteThis summary highlights the fact that Internet usage is increasing all the time. Over half of its users are connected via broadband, while one third are using mobile devices as well. The implication for teachers is that because the Internet is such a major aspect of the lives of the majority of people, it must be used in the classroom as part of those real life skills we should be incorporating into our lessons. Another consideration for education is equity. The financially less fortunate have less access to the Internet, which has implications for keeping them in such a cycle of poverty if they don't have equal access to the tools of society. As 0507 stated, hopefully the Obama plan will work toward solving this problem.
ReplyDeleteThis summary should help teachers to understand that although each child deserves the same education; it is often difficult for all students to have the same resources. For teachers in high SES buildings and districts, internet usage is used without question both at school and at home. For teachers in low SES buildings and districts, this is often more difficult.
ReplyDeleteMany of the children in my school are highly engaged and motivated by the use of internet and technology in the classroom. However, a majority of these families are digital hopefuls; internet access or even computer access at home is often not a reality. As educators of the 21st century we must change our ideas and practices to ensure that all students are taught and regularly engaged in internet and computer technology.
The summary and related articles states what many of us already realize, internet usage is growing and especially important in our lives, our students lives and in their futures. Teachers must become literate with the internet and it’s ability to highly expand the education we provide to our students. Without this, the students in these classrooms and buildings are growing up with a 20th century education.
It will be interesting to see how broadband use increases as Obama’s stimulus plan begins to unfold. Making broadband new or better and more accessible to all will hopefully encourage more adults to gain broadband access at home and in turn increase student ability and background knowledge. With increased student background knowledge, time spent with technology in the classroom will be more effective and efficient.
I've heard these statistics before and while a 65 year old being digitally unaware or without internet, a student in our classrooms without internet access at home presents a completely different problem. Even in my classroom, a band classroom, I am constantly giving assignments that require internet access at home or ideas I am hoping to implement for next year would assume that internet is in the homes. I am surprised when a student will tell me they don't have a computer or internet at home. The availability and cost of internet access is something that is creating a huge divide between those who do, versus those who don't, especially with our students. The older generation would benefit from internet access, but it will not have a direct effect on their ability to complete assignments and learn to work in our digital world.
ReplyDeleteThe first takeaway that I think is stands out to me is the quick rise of mobile communication devices. Students are constantly connected mobily, whether it be a cell phone or connecting a laptop/ipod to a cellular provider. Teachers need to recognize this and not restrict their use in the classroom. The purpose of education is to use what drives students into learning new information, with these rapidly growing numbers of connected students, mobile devices will be a key way to generate interest in students.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to me to see that we have students who are having difficulty accessing internet resources due to economic factors. As I was reading these statistics I was wondering if some of these "digital hopefuls" have tried resources like their local library? People can use economics as a stepping stone, or they can look for resources to help them use these technologies. Many schools do need to step back and look at this and think about how many of their students are hopefuls and not able to get online at home. Schools should make computers available before/after school to ensure students are having a more equal use of computers and Internet.
The final take away and maybe the most curious "ah ha" for me was that students are connected to Internet resources with video game systems. I guess I realized this, but at the same time I didn't internalize that we, as educators could try and use this to reach out to our students. Can we find a way to connect with our students via their gaming consoles that they are accessing the Internet with?
Looking over this information, it is very evident that the internet is becoming a part of more peoples' lives every year. Since the internet is a gateway to the world, it is very important for all of our students to have access to it, know how to use it, and use it frequently. However, as a teacher, the statistics presented are very important for me to know when assigning online assignments to students (or any assignment with a computer). Although the majority of people in the US have access to a computer and to the internet, not all people do. Therefore, I have to keep this in mind because all of my students might not have access to the internet. However, when looking at the statistics, it is evident that eventually almost all people in the US will have the access and skills to utilize the internet (with the exception of lower-income families that might not be able to afford it). Since so many people, especially students, have access to the internet through computers and other devices, we as teachers need to utilize these technologies and build on the skills students have already acquired. Also, since there is such a large percentage of people with cell phones, we should utilize cell phones in class as well instead of outlawing them. The internet is a way we can connect with students and help motivate them, plus we will be preparing them for the future.
ReplyDeleteThe article hIghlights the percentages of Internet users, which is an encouraging sign that technology will continue to be integrated into education at an increasing rate. However, in low-income areas, teachers may experience difficulty communicating with parents online because of a lack of resources at home. Children in these families are also at a disadvantage because the thousands of online educational resources are inaccessible to them. They cannot participate in a class blog, for example, or complete online assignments as easily as their peers who do have at-home access.
ReplyDeleteI too worry about the inaccessibility that some students have regarding technology usage. I understand that technology is increasing at a rapid rate as the article suggests, but not everyone has the availability of a fast internet provider, computer, cell phone, etc. In our state there are still rural areas that have a difficult time receiving cell phone signals, let alone broadband internet access. In the article, 35% of adults either don’t have the money, access, or skills to take advantage of broadband service. Where does that leave the students of these adults? 35% is a high percentage. As educators, we need to be very careful about our expectations of our students, just as many posts have already suggested.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a teacher, but can see the implications of this information for students. A teacher can not assume that a student has access at home and must strive to complete all assigned work at school, where they know the student has the resources they need.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand it is not surprising to know that the internet connection is directly related to socioeconomic status or age. It is evident by this blog that users have increased to include more than 50% of the population either by broadband services or cell phones.
The statistics by itself should tell us that we are entering a new era, and that we as an educators should incorporate into our teachings this information if we want our teaching to reflect the real world.
The problem I see with this is that usually the at risk students, ie low socioeconomic students will fall even more for lack of the resources.
I am also a teacher at OPS high school (Burke) and was under the assumption that low income students probably didn't have access to internet and computers. The researchers in this study at an urban high school did a survey and focus group with low income students. 95% of these students have computers at home, or have access to the internet at friends or family homes other than their own. They are very comfortable with using the internet by HS age and the conclusion of the researchers was that teachers actually do a disservice to low income students when they shy away from assigning work that requires the internet. If we don't encourage students to use digital media in meaningful ways through school assignments and help to guide their learning experience, the gap between digital fluency of the affluent and the low income students will only grow wider.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with many of the comments posted, however as a non teacher I have to contribute impartially and provide my own experiences as to why or how this is important to teachers. In my opinion and as a Hispanic, who can identify with the low income generation of young Latinos unable to go on-line to the lack of resources, the department of education should and must pursue the accessibility of broadband to each and every student the opportunity to use these capabilities. With the recent changes to the economy the numbers will increase, therefore teachers must be aware of their students needs. It doesn’t concern me if Mr. Younameit, who is 70 years old is digitally distant to the use of the internet, the use of internet via broadband should be available to every school child regardless of age. Second, teachers must consider important methods of teaching their children through using the internet. Already, several colleges have gone mainly through teaching on-line, it wouldn’t surprise me if this method of teaching may the in the near future for school children. And lastly, with the usage of laptops, Ipads, blackberry, etc. it wouldn't surprise me if books will be needed in the near future as well, it may even be cheaper.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very interesting on how many people have access to the internet through different devices. I think it is interesting to hear that more and more people are being connected even at different socioeconomic levels, but I am wondering if the surveys reached a broad enough people because I know many people who do not use the internet because they can't afford it or don't have computers. Yes, computers and laptops are becoming more and more prevelant , but how many children actually have access now a days. In addition, I know of communities that only have computer access and internet access only at school and it is only limited access. I agree that teachers need to be mindful of giving assignments that require internet access. Teachers need to allow as much time in school using different medias. Even though low-income students may not have the access they still need to be exposed to it all so they don't fall behind.
ReplyDeleteThe internet has become an important part of our everyday lives, but there are still those who need access but can’t afford it. This is one of the issues we face; how do you make it economically possible for everyone to afford the internet? Statistically it looks like many Americans who are connected use broadband, but I also took notice in the rise of portable or hand held devices that are being used to connect to the internet. There are many kids that know how to use these devices, and it makes sense to me that we should consider using them in the classroom. The internet is such a big part of our lives that it should be used in the classroom. Many kids don’t have broadband at home, but they may have a portable device. Let’s make use of them. Lastly, encouraging internet usage and using electronic media can be a positive step in helping the environment. Going paperless seems to be the way of the future, and schools are already doing it.
ReplyDeleteThe internet itself is fairly old (in regards to technology today) and so I have believed that most homes had internet access. I also think that having internet connectivity today is more affordable and easier to get today. It makes sense that there is a lower adoption rate coming from the Digitally Distant age group because they have lived their lives without the internet. Since living without it is what they know, they would find it useless and feel it isn't relevant. I was surprised that they percentages for the Digital Hopefuls and the Digitally Uncomfortables was so high. I had assumed that just about everyone had access to the internet from libraries, workplaces, cell phones, etc. I understand the Digitally Uncomfortables but I again am a little shocked that the percentage is so high because it is everywhere; we are so immersed in it everyday that it seems like a ridiculous concept to live today and not understand how to use the internet.
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