Week 14

Equality in schools is a challenge that must be faced in order to provide opportunities for all students. Technology is expensive and not all students have the same access as others. It is important for schools to provide students with the best technology so everyone will have equal access within the classroom. The use of open source programs would allow students to have access to the necessary tools to succeed for free. Students using open source programs would only have to have access to a computer and internet in order to use the programs. This would cut the cost for the student when working from home.
Students with special needs and English Language Learners face specific needs that generally may not be addressed or may be harder to address within the classroom. Web 2.0 tools make addressing these specific issues easier for schools and parents. Blogging and podcasts are two ways in which web 2.0 has made addressing issues easier. Parents can review podcasts to research specific issues from all topics including issues surrounding special needs. Blogging provides ESOL students with authentic language activities which will strengthen their language skills.