Access to Technology To maximize the return on your technology investment, make sure all students and teachers have easy access to reliable technology that supports learning goals. While some school districts work to improve access within the traditional school day and setting, many schools and their surrounding communities have acknowledged the importance of increased technological skill and access for all community members and are working to expand them beyond these boundaries. Schools, libraries, and community centers are quickly becoming the frontline of technology access for all residents. Lesson Overview This lesson focuses on the need for equitable and universal access to technology. You will investigate the "Digital Divide," identify four common barriers to technology access, and explore the issues of special needs populations. You will review current accessibility trends, investigate needed infrastructure, and survey alternative solutions presented by new and emerging technologies. Lesson Objectives At the conclusion of this lesson, you will be able to: Define "Digital Divide" and identify methods to reduce this barrier to access Discuss the need for equitable and universal access to technology Explain how technology can overcome the barrier of geography Explain how technology can overcome the barrier of individual learning styles Describe how technology can support users with special needs, such as students with learning disabilities gifted and talented students nontraditional students students with limited English proficiency (LEP) and migrant students Identify necessary components of a school technology infrastructure, including network and Internet options hardware digital resources Identify resources to monitor such new and emerging technologies as wireless networks Internet 2 handheld computers knowledge management systems