The Industrial Development Research Association declared that there is a digital divide in our schools today, with technology equity being a major concern of both educators and students alike.
To specify the issue at hand and the futures of many young people at stake: students will potentially miss out on the 70 percent of jobs that require moderate or high amounts of computer knowledge if they do not have equitable access to technology early on in their education.Aaron Posey, Education Consultant and community changemaker is looking to change that.
“Bridging the gap between technology and education and ensuring all students have equal access to resources and appropriate technology right out the gate ensures that they can maximize their income potential in the future,” says Posey.
“It will allow them to provide better for their families and enhance their contribution within thier local communities.”
Aaron Posey, says we shouldn’t just be striving for that. “We must make it happen.”
Born Into Lives of Unequal Access
Research by NYU Steinhardt found that less than two thirds of students in low-income neighborhoods are served in inclusive settings, compared with over three quarters of students in middle income neighborhoods and nearly 90 percent of students in high-income neighborhoods.
“The income disparity and inequality many young people are born into dictates their entire life trajectory and future, and that is not fair,” says Aaron Posey, armed with the facts and with the grit and determination to make a change.
“This topic should be on the mind of every American,” says Posey, who highlights this is not just the future of the U.S., but the future of the world. Teaching our youth how to interact with the world and learn within it, arming them with knowledge for success has international ripple effects and significance that every institution needs to keep top of mind.
Innovative Approaches to Inclusive Education
Research shows that inclusive education has positive effects on communities, on individuals and on families. Positive change translates into better decisions, better finances, better treatment of self and of others.
The Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning unveiled its inclusive teaching strategies illustrating that, “Inclusive teaching refers to pedagogy that strives to serve the needs of all students, regardless of background or identity, and support their engagement with subject material.”
Yale’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning went on to explain that hearing diverse perspectives enriches student learning by exposing everyone to stimulating discussion, expanding approaches to traditional and contemporary issues, and situating learning within students’ own contexts, while exploring those contexts.”
“It’s all about context,” says Aaron Posey, who reminds us that every student is born into a unique situation, a different context and a different outlook.
He goes on to say that students are much more motivated to take ownership of their learning experience in a classroom that appreciates, works with them and recognizes them, respecting their differences.
To summarize, the classroom should draw relevant connections between students and their lives. It should respond to their concerns, but ultimately, it should understand and feel them.
The Time is Now for Education Equality and Technology Access
Early intervention is crucial, and it’s one of the fundamental aspects Aaron Posey shares with clients and institutions alike. How to intervene early in a way that doesn’t feel like intervention, doesn’t feel like interference, but feels like a validating approach to incorporating the worldview of youth.
“We need to engage young people, show them what they are capable of and give them the nudge they need to succeed,” says Aaron Posey.
