Technology and Low-Income Students - Emmaly Sandell

By: Shelly Fryer (Public) via Flickr

Fryer, S. (2019).  Students discover new ipad app. Shelly Freyer Third Grade Teacher. 

Retrieved From:https://www.flickr.com/photos/shellyfryer/16246646359/

Brooke, E., Kazakoff, E. R., Macaruso, P., & Schechter, R. (2015). Exploration of a blended

       learning approach to reading instruction for low SES students in early elementary grades.

       Computers in theSchools,32(3/4),183–200.https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2015.1100652

Summary:

• A study was made in first and second grade with students who have a low socioeconomic status work with computer programs that allow them to do activities on the computer and the program allows them to track their growth online and the other group of students did not use the computer program.
• The study showed that the students who received the blended learning received better scores on their standardized tests.
• The blended learning approach, which is traditional learning techniques mixed with technological techniques, enhances reading skills of low socioeconomic students.

Assess:

• This article is a great study showing a control group and an experimental group with a blended learning approach and the correlation between standardized test scores.
• The article is broken down and gives great details on the who’s, whats, wheres, whens, whys, and how's of the study.
• The article gives great visual guides for the reader to get a better understanding of the study and the results of the blended technology approach.

TED. (2015, November 28). How America’s public schools keep kids in poverty Video File. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O7BMa9XGXE

Summary:

• Some schools neglect students' educational needs because the schools cannot afford it.
• It explains the differences between schools that have more money compared to schools with a lower socioeconomic status who have less money.
• This video goes into detail about how schools with more money have more technological resources compared to schools who have less money do not receive the technology that will benefit their students.

Assess

• This TED talk does not talk much about the technology they have available.  
• If the lower socioeconomic schools can not afford new books, new worksheets, new supplies, then how are they ever going to be able to afford new technology.  

Reflection on Technology and Low Income Students

My conclusion on technology and low income students is that it is not the student’s fault that they can not afford the technology. The article and the video give proof that each and every child is capable of learning. Students want to learn no matter what their socioeconomic status may be.  They just need to be provided the resources and tools that will guarantee them the ability to succeed. They can do this by getting grants, and funds from the government. Blending technology into the classroom is proven to help the digital generation learn, engage, and inspire the students (no matter how much money their schools have) to learn and constantly grow academically.

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