Future Ready Learning

DIGITAL USE DIVIDE
While essential, closing the digital divide alone will not transform learning.
We must also close the digital use divide by ensuring all students understand
how to use technology as a tool to engage in creative, productive,
life-long learning rather than simply consuming passive content.
Simply consuming media or completing
digitized worksheets falls short.
Media
production
Interaction
with experts
Global
connections
z z z
Immersive
simulation
Design
Coding
Peer
collaboration
PASSIVE USE
ACTIVE USE
However, we have to be cognizant of a new digital divide—the disparity between students who
use technology to create, design, build, explore, and collaborate and those who simply use technology
to consume media passively. 16,17,18,19
On its own, access to connectivity and devices does not guarantee access to engaging educational
experiences or a quality education. 20 Without thoughtful intervention and attention to the way
technology is used for learning, the digital use divide could grow even as access to technology in
schools increases. 21,22,23,24
Providing Technology Accessibility for All Learners
Learning experiences enabled by technology should be accessible for all learners, including those
with special needs. Supports to make learning accessible should be built into learning software
and hardware by default. The approach of including accessibility features from the beginning
of the development process, also known as universal design, is a concept well established in
the field of architecture. Modern public buildings include features such as ramps, automatic
doors, or braille on signs to make them accessible by everyone. In the same way, features such
OFFICE OF Educational Technology
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