Narrowing the Digital Divide

Abstract

The Digital Divide originates with inequalities in children’s access to computers. It is deepened by disparities in teacher readiness to use computers for educational purposes. This article describes a computer training program designed to help Head Start teachers develop attitudes, skills, and practices that maximize the educational benefits children gain from computer use in the classroom. Guided by a set of pedagogical principles, the training program achieved its goals. Program teachers gained more confidence, developed more sophisticated computer skills, and applied more extensive classroom practices than teachers who did not participate in the program. Lessons learned from the training program point to key issues in supporting early childhood teacher development in computer technology. Corresponding recommendations for program design are discussed.