Assistive+Technology+in+Urban+Schools

Assistive Technology in Urban Schools

** Digital divide ** is a gap between individuals, households, and businesses; it affects all kinds of geographic areas depending mostly on socio-economic levels. Furthermore, **digital divide** includes the disproportion in physical access to technology, and the lack of education, and resources necessary to fully participate in today’s digital events.

In addition, **Knowledge divide** is typically reflected in some social groups, for example, gender, income, race, and by location. Overall, the term **digital divide** refers to the differences and disadvantages in respect to information and communication technologies accessibility. **Digital divide** brakes national frontiers and becomes a global issue. For example, there are global differences between internet and all forms of information access among countries; this is called **global digital divide**.

With the rise of technology in schools there also came disproportions concerning the distribution of the technology. It became evident that the suburban districts purchased more equipment for instruction than poverty areas like urban districts. Some national surveys demonstrated that poor and minority children had less access to computers at school and home.

Most urban school districts house low income families with students who are unprepared to face the challenges of public schools. As a result, teachers with low expectations for student achievement may produce students who fail to develop basic academic skills, which are underachieved, and will probably never reach college. These students are in disadvantage for the technological workforce of this century.

The usage of technology in urban schools is an excellent tool for underprivileged students and educators. The use of computers is a good strategy to supplement a failing curriculum and could be a good alternative for urban students. Urban schools need to offer programs that guide children in their academic tasks, and assist students to turn abstract concepts into meaningful knowledge. Higher standards on education in failing schools, plus integration of new technologies are excellent academic boosts for urban schools.

Free software is a good alternative for schools that lack economic resources. **Freeware** is computer software available at no cost, usually with restricted usage rights. The author usually restricts one or more rights of the user, including the rights to copy, distribute, modify, and make derivative works of the software or extract the source code. **Freeware** is licensed at no cost, it can be fully functional for unlimited time; or has basic functions enabled. Also, it can have its fully functional version available commercially or as shareware.

**Glogster EDU** is another option for educators, is a creative digital outlet that captures student’s attention, keeps students engaged, and makes the teaching and learning process more enjoyable. This valuable tool integrates different core subjects. For students it is a fun and powerful learning experience which promotes independent self expression and teamwork.

**WordTalk** is another good option for students with reading and writing difficulties. Having text reinforced by hearing it read aloud is very helpful. This free text-to-speech will speak the text of the document and will highlight it as it goes. It has a talking dictionary that helps decide which spelling word is most appropriate. In addition, **ReadPlease** is free software that reads any text on the computer screen. This software is a good choice for information accessibility in urban schools, and is free of charge.

**Abbott** districts are school districts in New Jersey which ensure that their students receive free public education in accordance with New Jersey‘s State Constitution. The //Abbott V. Burke//, asserted that public primary and secondary education in poor communities throughout the state was unconstitutionally substandard.

In conclusion, urban educators and school systems seem to be failing to support and create students who are independent and prepared to face the challenges of society. It is obvious that changes need to be made. Teachers need to be more prepared for the hardships face among their students, and assistant technology needs to reach urban school communities to ensure higher education and increased test scores. Assistive technology will make a positive change on urban schools that need it most.

Resources: [|www.**wordtalk**.org] [|www.**readplease**.com] [|www.**abbott**.com] [|www.edu.**glogster**.com] [|www.techsupportalert.com] <span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; color: #0e774a; padding-right: 10px;">[|www.abbott.com] <span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; color: #0e774a; padding-right: 10px;">[|www.digitaldivide.com]