"Bridging the Gap" by: Don Hall

How would you define the closing of the digital divide that so many schools have tried doing in the past? One answer is to provide students with more access to technology hoping that this will help them learn more. The other answer is providing equal learning opportunities for all students and ensures they are successfully prepared for their future where technology plays a valuable role. The answer that fits the best to this question is the second answer. Every teacher and school district wants to prepare ever student for their future, whatever that may be. Don Hall states that there is a disconnection in today's schools because the schools are out dated. Students are bombarded with information all day long from the television, radio, music, computers, family life, and school life. It is a miracle that students can stay in one piece and still think after all of this stimulation. Teachers see the most disconnection from the at-risk students, who can least afford to miss out on meaningful learning in the classroom. Don Hall and his school district have put together a program that puts all of the students first. They have opened up a new technology magnet academy, the first of its kind in his district. They made sure that every student was represented in this program. The diversity not only covers ethnicity but different languages as well. Also, they have created a Student Technology Advisory Board which provides feedback on key issues, assist with key projects, and allow students a forum to share their ideas about how technology made a difference for their learning process. Another successful idea that Don and his school district came up with was to give back to the community. The school district built strong relationships with key community personnel. These groups were the African-American Culture Center and the Ukrainian Culture Group (which is one of their largest groups in the ELL program). They supplied computers and equipment to these centers in exchange for student tutoring after school. The district also went into a large apartment complex, which had a large immigrant population. They set up computers, equipment, and technical support in this complex's community center. This was to ensure that students living in these apartments could have access to computers outside of school. The idea of equal learning opportunities for all students would help in this digital divide. Students need to become connected again through school, and Don Hall and his school district is making huge strides in making this dream come alive for not only students, but for parents as well.

I think that this is such a great idea! Having th whole community come together to help out the schools in this district is really wonderful to see. This type of community togetherness is what all school districts want to see. I believe that every school district not only in California but in the country can do what this school district is doing; we will not have anymore at-risk students again! Every student will have access to a computer or some sort of technology that can further their careers in school. One day I hope to see this, but it takes time for new ideas to catch on in today's school districts. The future is bright and technology is becoming a big deal in updating schools.