As we continue to see the phenomenal rapid rise of technology and internet use globally (see figure 1.1), it is evident the disparity gap dividing the richest and poorest of societies is also still expanding (Norris P. & Inglehart. R., 2014). Not more so than at this time, during the COVID pandemic, have we been so reliant on digital technologies for connectivity, entertainment and the need to access essential services. Coined the Digital Divide, this notion is becoming increasingly apparent, and it is up to key drivers and stakeholders to bridge the gap (Howell. J., 2019). That includes us, educators within Australian schools.
So what exactly is our role as teachers? Who are the other stakeholders and what do they expect? What factors cause a divide?
Figure 1.1 - Percentage of internet usage globally over time
(Roser. M., Ritchie, H., Ortiz-Ospina. E., 2020)
Overall, while Australia has seen a slight narrowing of the divide, it has also seen the gap deepen to a total of two and a half million people not online (The Australian Digital Inclusion Index, 2018). The main indicators used to highlight the divide are; access to reliable internet and the availability of a mobile device, however, in Australia it is evident that a cohort of the population are being left behind despite having access to either or both of these tools.
"Cue the importance of digital pedagogy within Australian classrooms and the encumbrance from stakeholders on the modern mentor to help bridge the divide."
Students expect:
Skills to learn effectively, stay up-to-date and apply use of varying ICT
Teachers expect:
Skills to teach, engage and motivate learners with provision to equip skills to succeed in school and beyond in lifelong learning
Parents expect:
Skills to complete education, develop an adequate level of digital fluency to then enter the workforce
Employers expect:
Skills to deliver efficient work to streamline business, a breadth of previous experience and an adequate level of fluency to support their work
Government expect:
Skills to participate in the global knowledge based society, strengthen economy
Wider Community expect:
Skills to aid and assist in community opportunities
(Howell. J., 2019)
Figure 1.2 - Mind map (digital divide)
Created using https://app.mindmup.com/
Tying said notions into one, figure 1.2 highlights the factors associated with the creation of the divide and key points to aid in the closure and increase digital inclusion going forward. As technology changes, so to do jobs and it is therefore apparent that changes must be made to transform the nature of teaching and learning to compensate and adapt.
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- Modern Mentor
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