Journal # 8

Technology in Ethiopian Schools by Judit Szente explores how students in Ethiopia are competing (and communicating) with students in America and around the world with technology. It is well-accepted fact that students need to be knowledgeable in technological applications in order to be competitive in a global market. Students abroad--even in rural parts of Africa are no exception. USAid has made available training, computers, printers, scanners, cameras and more to students and teachers in Ethiopia to enable students to compete in our global society. Students in Ethiopia have also worked to create Power Point Presentations to send to students in New York to communicate with students in an urban, inner city school and explore similarities and differences they may face.

Question 1: How can I strive for social justice and equal access to ensure students that might not have personal computers still participate in meaningful instruction using computers and the Web? Equal access (which, admittedly, will never truly be equal but we must strive for it) is of the utmost importance to me as an educator. Grant opportunities so that students can have access to laptops, helping students to use, know and be familiar with the public library and educating students about shareware and free online programs will be one of my goals.

Question 2: How can students in the United States work to help children around the world attain technology they might not otherwise have? I would have students work with resources such as UNICEF and other children's charities to help students help children elsewhere obtain computers. Students can research and choose who and where they would like to share technology and donations with.