Journal #3
Social Justice: Choice or Necessity?
By Colleen Swain and David Edyburn

This article explores the social justice implications of instructional technology and provides educators with a framework for understanding the effects of their decisions in using instructional technology in the classroom. Society today requires students to not just have access to instructional technology but to be technologically fluent and be able to use technology to solve problems using the various sources provided by technology. According to the article, we are a global, technological, information-based society and students who are not technologically proficient will be at a disadvantage with future education and employment opportunities. This is why it is important for teachers to have a framework for social justice so that they are able to reflect on how instructional technology is used in their classroom. Things to ask yourself when adapting your framework of social justice with the use of instructional technology is the availability, will it be used routinely, will it be used in ways that reflect real-world, are the applications of interest, is it complex, will it be used to enhance learning opportunities for all students, and will it be used to monitor teacher/students progress over time. These are examples provided within the article to ask yourself when trying to ensure that the technology you use is equitably implemented. Overall the teachers have the decision to use and how to use technology in their classroom. According to the article, it states that “if educators were to infuse the use of instruction technology within the classroom as a component and catalyst for social justice, the educational experience for all students will change.” I would have to agree with this statement seeing how technology is booming and where the direction of society is going. However, knowing that not all schools have access to the same resources and then reading from the same article about ways to gain classroom access and find powerful resources I still find it difficult to see happening. If it was as simple as the article showed, why aren’t we seeing more and more teacher’s doing it?


1.How do you plan to develop a social justice framework for the use of instructional technology in your classroom?

This will be challenging because students do not have access to the same resources. However it does not mean that it is impossible. I will ensure that my students will be provided with the time they need in order to complete their work. Just being knowledgeable with the applications and giving students the background will help. I will do what I can as far as making a useful list for students on how to get access to resources, design a fundraiser to raise money to purchase recycled computers, donations, and maybe get a second job.

2.Given the resources to help gain classroom access to technological resources do you feel that some students will be at a disadvantage?

I believe that some students will still have trouble. There are other factors that need to be considered such as transportation, their family life/routine, and the type of learner that they are. Some kids may still be at a disadvantage because they are having a hard time grasping the information. Everybody is different and even though it may be equal doesn’t mean that it will be fair.