Equal Access in a Digital World

What does it mean to "provide equal access to the digital world"?

Providing equal access to the digital world is an overwhelming concept, proposing that all students have access to technology in their educational endeavors in order to be successful. Unfortunately, this is not the case in all schools. There is a "gap in access to information technology that is more significant for certain schools, specifically those with high minority populations or those in rural areas, with individuals who are physically challenged, and with females. The goal of equity is not just to put the same number of boxes, wires and pipes into every classroom; rather, we need to concentrate on equitable integration, training and support for all students and teachers." (Leading 21st Century Schools, pg.165-166) In my school, we have four laptops for each classroom; the teacher laptop and three for student use; however, it's difficult for all students to have access because there are over 25 students per class. Computer lab time is also at a premium with our 1200 students having to share two computer labs. So how do you allow students equal access when there isn't enough equipment or time? The simple answer is you can't. I would love it if my students were each given a laptop or tablet for classroom use, I would love it even more if all of my students had computers, tablets or smart phones of their own; however, it isn't realistic and a low SES population makes it even more unrealistic. Providing equal access in my district would take financial resources that we currently do not have, along with teacher training, improved software and technology upgrades. In the future, I know this is coming, but as for right now, providing equal access is almost impossible.