Equal Access to the Digital World

Today, the internet has become a part of life for most people.  We use it to: keep in touch with others, at work, for pleasure, to reserve library books, pay bills, shop, etc. In order to be successful in the 21st century, one needs to have digital literacy.  Thus, it is critical that the education system provide digital literacy to all students.

Universal Design for Learning (U.D.L) is a framework for educators to follow to ensure that all students are having their educational needs met.  Utilizing U.D.L will produce a classroom that is student centered.  In practice, the teacher considers every students' needs and plans in order to structure an environment and lesson plans in which each student can best reach their full potential.

As digital literacy has become an important goal in education, it is prudent that educators align digital access within the U.D.L framework.  Doing so will create a classroom in which students of all abilities can achieve digital literacy.  There are a multitude of tools available in order to achieve equal access.  One of my sons has severe visual impairment.  Due to technological innovations, he has not needed a classroom aide for years.  An attachment to a laptop magnifies anything he needs, including what the teacher is working on in the front of the classroom.  Other innovations include: touchscreens, writing aides, and text to speech to name just a few.

With the advancement of technology, there are software and hardware available to make equal access to the digital world easily achievable for every student.