Challenge of Teaching 21st Century Skills When the Digital Divide Still Exists

As a Technology Magnet Coordinator at a public elementary school that boasts a technology magnet program, I struggle with the fact that we need to teach our students skills that they need in order to be successful in the 21st century despite the persistence of the digital divide.

Defined as those who have access to the internet and those who don’t. Internet World Stats defines the digital divide those who have access to the internet and those who don’t. These days it seems that most families have a computer but not all have one with an internet connection.

My question is how can we teach 21st century skills to all students when not everyone has 24/7 access to the technology they need in order to learn skills that are needed for the future?

Since this is a topic that I’m currently struggling with as a well connected mom and teacher of have and have nots, I decided to write about it on The LeapFrog Community. Come on over and read my latest musings about technology and education!

And if you are curious about learning and education in the 21st century check out Scholastic’s first free live webcast this Wednesday at 2 pm. This first of four “Expert Talks,” this webcast will feature Tony Wagner, Co-Director of the Change Leadership Group at Harvard, and Milton Chen, Executive Director of The George Lucas Educational Foundation. Scholastic’s On Our Minds Blog has a sneak peek of Milton Chen talking about the 21st century teacher and how technology can enhance learning. View the clips and then register for the webcast.

I am a paid contributor to the LeapFrog Community but was not compensated to publicize my post or any information regarding Scholastic’s Expert Talk webinars.