What does it mean?

There's an interesting infographic from the folks at LearnStuff that presents some interesting data about students and use of technology.  It's of particular interest because of the discussions I hear at my campus from faculty who are adamantly against students bringing technology into the classroom.  I'm not there.  I need to find ways to keep the students engaged with me, or have them engage with the subject using their technology.

I read lots of articles about the increased quantities of technology in use in K-12 classrooms.  Teacher education programs need to preparing their graduates for the changes in the quantity and range of technologies they'll find in K-12 classrooms.

 I see college and university programs that are introducing e-texts, and tablets as required tools, or including technology in the price of registration. 

Then, I was at a conference in early November, and we were talking about the lack of home computing and internet access by low income families and the impact that has both on student learning and career education.  So, while the quantity of technology and ways to access the internet continue to increase, there are still places where access is a problem.  Have you noticed how often on television news they say to go to the station/network website for more detailed information.  Folks without easy internet access can't do that.

I know that the reports say we've eliminated the digital divide, and in may places we have, but I don't think we've yet provided digital opportunities for all our citizens.

Cyber Charter Schooling in North Carolina

My colleague and prolific blogger Michael Barbour has a very interesting post on Virtual School Meanderings which is worth a read.  An example of the problems of having a for-profit becoming a very large player in the virtual school market.  I'm uncomfortable with the actions of K12 in this particular situation.  They've taken other actions in previous situations that I've not been pleased with as well.