Apply and Discover 9.1

     To "provide equal access to the digital world" we must use what we know about our students to make instructional decisions that will allow them to benefit the most from their education.  What does this mean?  It means that students must be allowed to use technology in ways that help them, not just to use technology.  Putting a quadriplegic student in front of a computer is not giving them access to the digital world.  Other programs need to be in place for that student to benefit from that device, such as speech to text software for writing or a special mouse that will allow them to manipulate items on the screen. 
     The digital world should be used by all learners to expand learning.  The technology should be used to enhance a student's strengths and diminish weaknesses.  It should allow students to show what they know in multiple modalities throughout a classroom.
     Equal access to the digital world does not always mean more technology gadgets.  Some students (like the one above) may have disadvantages that make using technology difficult.  Teachers should provide these students with other ways of accessing the same devices.  That student confined to a wheelchair will not be able to use a mouse without some type of removable tabletop for their chair to put the mouse on.  Students with limited mobility would benefit best from ipad/laptop computers rather than desk tops so that the devices could be brought to them, instead of the other way around.  A touchscreen for those with poor fine motor control, a larger keyboard for those with visual issues, or even just the right amount of time to use the technology for a slow typist are great ways to provide access.