Mel Pace (mpace1@tampabay.rr.com)
Sat, 10 Apr 1999 09:29:10 -0400
From: "Mel Pace" <mpace1@tampabay.rr.com> Subject: Access limitations for underprivileged students Date: Sat, 10 Apr 1999 09:29:10 -0400
Dear IFETS Friends,
While reading Arun's comments explaining some of the College Boards' concerns about internet access for disadvantaged students, I was reflecting on some of my own "real world" experience with dasadvantaged students. The Boards's research is right on target with their points and concerns. Actually, no one should have had to spend much time thinking or even gathering data to establish that realization. This data is the same, or nearly the same, for any advancement or endeavor. The very term "disadvantaged" denotes that there will be disparity between this group and the other members of society.
I do not, in any way, wish to diminish the tragedy of such a cultural diversity. However, the fact remains that the fact will also remain. Being in public education, and having spent the majority of my career working hard to help desadvantaged students overcome their disadvantages, I have had to realize that educational institutions cannot cure all of the social ills. Our job, however, is to minimize them as much as possible. Unfortunately, we cannot stop moving forward with technological advances while waiting to balance the social structure of a nation or the world.
I sincerely applaud those who continue to bring such issues to the front; for we need to be reminded of these things and to continue to work towards balance. However, I am concerned that an institution such as the College Board might attempt to use such "research" as a means to hinder the advancement of technological advancement to the detriment of universities and the general populace.
Thank you for your tolerance. I have much more to say, but should probably write an article, or book to say it.
Mel Pace
Media Specialist Roosevelt Elementary
Doctoral student Instructional Technology
University of South Florida Tampa, FL USA
mpace1@tampabay.rr.com
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