Equity and Access- The importance of EdTech

Equitable access to educational technology is essential in today’s world. Our global society revolves around the use of the internet and technology of all kinds. Incorporating these tools in the classroom is not only a great benefit to both the teacher and students, but also a necessity. The opportunities that technology brings are limitless. Students who are versed in using these tools will be able to get into the digital workforce. In order to work in and be a part of that ever growing digital workforce, you must learn how to use the essential technology. If you are not taught these skills in school you would be left behind. Children spend ⅕ of their waking hours in school which is why it is pivotal for them to learn technology through EdTech. There are a variety of resources out there that empower students for learning technology for these reasons. Girls Who Code has a mission to empower young girls to be a part of the technological world as programmers in order to change the gender stereotype associated with it. They say it matters to teach EdTech, especially to girls because, “computing is where the jobs are — and where they will be in the future, but fewer than 1 in 5 computer science graduates are women”. Another way to advocate for equitable access to technology in order to meet all people and all the diverse needs are organizations like Black Girls Code. This organization works to increase the number of colored women in the digital space. These organizations focus on helping particular groups get empowered and encouraged for using technology. The future generations need these learning opportunities in order to be ready for the digital world we live in and organizations that support this are so important to that movement. Organizations that push for technology into the classroom will not only benefit the students in their education but also in paving their future paths to success.