Entry #11
April 27, 2020
#equityandaccess
The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically changed so many things in such a short time. Many issues that had been surfacing in the last few years have now been put in the forefront of concerns that have the potential to mark a wider chasm leaving marginalized groups of students farther behind after this is all over. We take so many things for granted when things are going well. Digital equity has been a growing concern the more dependent we become on online platforms for assignments, grades and ways of communicating with our students. I think implementing technology and staying up to date with all the wonderful digital and versatile avenues for learning and complementing the way we teach is wonderful. Technology in the classroom in itself is a whole new world that is yet to be explored and integrated in the classroom. We are living in a very exciting time on this front because everything from 3D printing, VR, and a variety of digital tools hold such dynamic potential to dramatically change the education landscape for the better. However, since online schooling started weeks ago, the issue of equitable access to all students has all been thrust into the spotlight. The very real possibility of students falling rapidly behind during these weeks since school has been transitioned to online is extremely concerning but also very heartbreaking. Not only are students isolated, missing time socializing with friends, missing out on rites of passage like graduations, transitioning to middle school or high school, but many are also missing out on access to effectively be able to keep up with schooling. A few semesters ago, during EDUC 275 (Schooling in the US) we learned about how education is ongoing, it is as ubiquitous as the air we breathe coming from parents, experiences, news, reading, it is a constant. Education is versatile and comes in many forms, directly and indirectly. Schooling, however, has been established as a social construct to improve our society and ensure that our future generations are prepared to be out in the world and stable members of society. Part of this social construct comes with responsibilities to try to provide equitable education to students, but with time, marginalization and gentrification of communities, equity is put farther and farther on the list of priorities. Now that schooling is being done completely online, facing the reality that there are many don’t have access to
Wi-Fi and that even while being issued laptops or iPad through their school are still unable to access the digital platforms set up to download assignments and connect with teachers. To try to level the playing field and provide access, many Wi-Fi stations have been set up throughout cities in the metro area to help students have this necessary access a few hours a day. While these options are better than nothing, it should come as no surprise that even this option is not feasible to all students whose parents are essential employees and can’t bring their kids even to these stations in which they can come to download assignments. How will this inequity be reflected in our generations for years to come?
This has also made me reflect on access to art materials and how to plan lessons that maximize what can be done with less and more cost-effective materials. It seems impossible and unfair to have to continue to find ways to cut corners since it’s usually art and music teachers that already deal the most with budget cuts and coming up with creative solutions for under-budget situations. The concept of continuously planning assignments that bring meaningful art experiences that students now might potentially have to do from home is daunting and anxiety inducing. It is important to recognize this will not last forever and it temporary, but just as important to also consider that just as unexpected as this was, it can happen again in the future and we should always be prepared to grow and step out of our comfort zone. This has been quite a learning experience; it is inevitably shaping the way we all make and assign art. Digital equity and equitable access to materials will need to be revised as we transition to a more stable situation.
