Access to Technology The solution to the access puzzle is unique to each district. A well-defined technology plan will describe desired learning goals that help you make decisions to bring your vision to reality. In 1997, the Panel on Educational Technology believed the most important recommendation was to ensure equitable, universal access. This same recommendation is echoed in the recent revision of the National Educational Technology Goals. Access to knowledge-building and communication tools based on computing and networking technologies should be made available to all of our nation's students, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, or geographical factors, and special attention should be given to the use of technology by students with special needs. These many pieces are necessary to complete your own version of the access puzzle. Lesson Review Use the links below to review any information from this lesson. You have successfully completed this lesson if you can 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