Pursuing the Next Digital Divide: Teacher Digital Competence in the Classroom

• In Event: Competencies for College and Career

Abstract

Technology has been an integral element of education for many years. With the addition of the Internet to classrooms, the paradigmatic shift in technology changed and transformed education with innovation. While computers eventually took the place of earlier machines and became an essential part of the educational landscape, teachers began to develop essential skills to benefit from the opportunities the new technology offered. However, a new digital divide has been developing as teachers lack the time to learn and develop skills to utilize the classroom technology. Too often educational technology lags behind common business adoption because of the value chain of technology: funding, access to training, and materials. Barriers exist to prevent teachers from becoming digitally competent. This session will look not only at the existing state of digital competence, but also possible solutions to increase access and barrier breaking ideas to help teachers achieve digital competence.

Author

• Carrie R Cofer, Concordia University - Chicago