The topic of our last seminar was “Technology as a Form of Social Justice”.  To be honest, I have not really thought of this notion.  Through our time together it became very apparent to me just how strong technology can be as a tool for social justice.

As a schoolboard, we often feel that we are catering to the needs of challenged students rather well.  In many cases this is not true.  Dr. Irvine put it well when she spoke of every school having a mandated barrier free access which is beneficial for all and necessary for some.  While this aid is a necessity for around 50% of challenged students the remaining cohort have fewer mandated aids.  In this sense we have missed crucial supports for individual students.

One in five students has a diagnosable anxiety disorder in our schools.  Anxiety can and often is as pronounced a barrier as a flight of stairs.  Why then should the schoolboard not afford supports for students challenged in this way.  Dr. Irvine explained that technology such as online classes, proxybots and skype, were effective supports for such individuals.  To be socially just, should these critical provisions not be as high on the agenda as barrier free access?  Is this another barrier that needs to be freed comparable to steps?  Are they the same thing?

One must ponder these questions deeply and utilize any support that leads to student success.  Fairness is not sameness.  Teachers are charged with providing what is needed for each student to succeed; technology can be a valuable asset in this endeavour.