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Module 5 - Session 3

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE ACROSS LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Family and Community Engagement Across Learning Environments

Module 5 - Session 3 Program Cover - Black and white photograph of a bridge

GETTING STARTED

OVERVIEW

Welcome to TALE Academy Module 5: Family and Community Engagement Across Learning Environments!

Goal – The goal of this module is to help teachers expand their capacity for effectively engaging families and communities when teaching across learning environments (TALE).

Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions on family and community engagement across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.

Session Content – You are beginning Module 5 – Session 3: Bridging the Digital Divide Across Learning Environments.

MODULE WORKBOOK

If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module. 

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Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook.

Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.

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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook.

Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!

 

Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 3 in the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook.

Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 3. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.

GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  1. What do I need to know about digital access to support students and families?

  2. What can educators and schools do to support equitable access to digital resources?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:

  1. Describe the digital divide and its impact on equity, access, and student learning.

  2. Become familiar with NYS resources that support family tech capacity.

  3. Provide targeted resources to support learning at home. 

  4. Develop 1-2 strategies for supporting digital literacy development for families and caregivers and provide technical support for families.

ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

LEARN FROM OTHERS: 
VOICES FROM THE FIELD

The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on how they are bridging the digital divide across learning environments.

video thumbnail of a student remote learning on computer

WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY

To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:

  • In your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 5.3.1 – Access to Digital Tools.

If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.

 

You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.

As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.

READ

Dive into our Module 5 – Session 3 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH

Tune into our Module 5 – Session 3 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN

Settle in for our Module 5 – Session 3 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.

EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD

Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.

You need to select only one of the choices, but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

6 Ways We Can Improve the Digital Divide’s Impact on Education

Synopsis: This article examines six initiatives that can help close the technology gaps in education.

Format: Article

Time: 15 minutes

Inequality in America: A Look at the Digital Divide in Home Schooling

Synopsis: The first installment of Inequality in America looks at the variance in quality of education, particularly when it comes to learning at home via computer.

Format: Video

Time: 6 minutes

Raw Data: The Digital Divide

Synopsis: Nicol Turner Lee, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, talks about the impacts of “digital invisibility.” 

Format: Podcast

Time: 30 minutes

ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

  • Return to your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 5.3.2 – Plan to Communicate.

  • If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING

Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

Return to your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 5.3.3 – Developing Digital Literacy and Technical Support. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, you can do so by clicking here.

Time: 20 minutes

ADDITIONAL 
RESOURCES

Addressing the Digital Divide in Education: Technology and Internet Access for Students in Underserved Communities 

Topic: The disparities in access to technology and the internet for marginalized groups and potential solutions for equity 

Format: Article

Time: 15 minutes

 

What Is the Digital Divide and How Is It Being Bridged? 

Topic: A definition of the digital divide and its impact on how people and organizations interact in a digital world

Format: Article

Time: 10 minutes

 

The Digital Divide, Explained

Topic: The need for access to broadband internet in all areas of the U.S. 

Format: Video

Time: 7 minutes 

 

The Digital Divide and Remote Learning

Topic: The Harvard EdCast on the tension that exists for schools trying to offer continuity of learning in equitable ways  

Format: Podcast

Time:  21 minutes

WRAP-UP & NEXT STEPS

This session gave you information and resources on the emergence of the digital divide and how we can work to close that gap across learning environments. In the next session of this module, you’ll explore effective communication across learning environments.

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