http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2009-12-06/news/36831210_1_computer-lab-free-computers-lack-of-computer-access

http://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/Politics/significant-gap-remains-access-internet-poorer-students/story?id=18629459#.UdxOrGHD_IU

My position on the issue is that there should be specific timeframes or guidelines students and/or parents and/or teachers can follow if they want to gain access to school computers during non-instructional time.  For example, there should be a teacher on duty an hour after school (paid) to supervise the computer lab in order for families to come in and use computers if they need to.  Again, this would only be in certain schools that really need this. Another option is to allow teachers and students to work together during lunch or recess in computer labs so that they can get the assignment done.  The student should have some time to work on the assignment using a computer at a time that is convenient to him/her and  their family.

This is an issue that really only arises in certain areas.  In a primarily rich or middle class area nowadays it is incredibly rare for a family to not have a computer at home or access to one.  This issue is overlooked many times because it is something that is only an issue in certain areas. The people involved are the people who are trying to provide the education for their children but cannot afford a computer.  It also involves the schools and teachers who want to assign these projects but struggle to because of the lack of resources at home. What's at stake? The educational advantages of our children.  Is it fair that children should lose points on grades because they can't afford computers? Is it also fair that they should lose out on the advantage of creativity, exploration, and engagement because they cannot complete an assignment due to lack of computer?

Teachers and educators normally feel that this is not an issue.  They claim that the students can do the assignments in school using school computers and that they would be happy to help or supervise. While I do not doubt that they would in fact be willing to use their own time, it does still raise the question of when this is going to get done.  In elementary schools, when the school day ends, the students go home. They are not technically allowed to stay with a teacher or staff member afterwards. Parents and students are not allowed in the building unsupervised.  This does pose the problem that they really do not have access to the computers at the schools whenever they want.

In the defense of the assignments though, technology is the way of the world.  Teachers and leaders want to take the technology approach to many assignments. They want to be able to give assignments centered around technology.

Much of the world today is circled around technology.  This is a good and bad thing both.  Many projects and assignments require students to have internet access or access to a computer to type assignments. However, what about the students in areas that can't afford computers?  Even though they have computers at school, what options do they have for completing these assignments?  What free time do they have to use school computers that they are allowed in the building? Many schools close their doors when the bell rings and do not allow students back in the building.  When are these students supposed to do their homework assignments?

How can we integrate technology in the lives of our children when some children do not have access to technology at home?