Digital Divide

Access to Tools

Although the gap seems to be decreasing, students in high-poverty schools are still less likely to have access to modern, multi-media computers and computers connected to the Internet. Schools with 71% or more disadvantaged students have a 1:17 Internet-connected computer per student ratio compared to a 1:10 ratio in schools with 11% or lower disadvantaged students. Classrooms in wealthier schools are also more likely to have Internet connections compared to poorest schools (82% vs. 60% of classrooms).

Making Use of Technology

Despite improving access to technology, students in high-poverty schools are more likely to use these technologies for drill and practice activities (35% vs. 26%) than research activities to promote higher order learning (18% vs. 39%). (Benton Foundation 1997)

An even greater gulf exists in teacher preparation to use these tools. Teachers have the power to turn computers into enhanced learning devices, given the skills, training, and support to succeed.

Teacher Activities Lag Behind

Teachers who... Low-poverty High-poverty felt very well prepared to implement state or district curriculum and performance standards. 60% 35% use computers and the Internet to create instructional materials. 52% 32% use the Internet to communicate with colleagues. 59% 38% assign student work involving computer applications 70% 53% assign research using CD-ROMs. 54% 37% assign research using the Internet. 61% 35%