Digital Access
Learning Objectives
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1. List several barriers that some members of society have to accessing digital content.
2. Describe some ways that schools can accommodate students who do not have technology in their homes. 3. Explain how schools can provide accommodations for students with special needs using technology. |
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Digital Access Overview
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Digital Access is defined in Digital Citizenship in Schools by Mike Ribble as full electronic participation in society. With the explosion of technology usage all facets of society are changing: education, banking, communication, and entertainment. Those who do not have equal access to technology and wireless internet are at a significant disadvantage. Barriers to equal access can include socioeconomic status, disabilities and geographic location. Students with disabilities may require technology for accommodations that allow them to fully participate in classwork. These barriers can be found in both the home and school setting. According to the Pew Research Study shown on the right: 58% of senior citizens now have internet access, there is a socioeconomic difference in internet access though it has narrowed over recent years, and 78% of rural residents are online (Ribble, 2015).
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Students who are disadvantaged can become further disadvantaged by attending schools that do not have the financial resources to provide adequate technology in the classroom or teachers with training who can make best use of that technology. In a 2013 study conducted by the Pew Research Institute and described in the book The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship by Mike Ribble showed that only 70% of African American, 72% of Hispanics and 83% of Whites owned a home computer. More and more employment applications are moving online, education is moving to online and blended learning and employers are expecting technologically savvy employees. Students who do not have technology access in their homes or sub par technology training in their schools will be at a continuing and compounding disadvantage in their search for meaningful and equitable employment (Ribble,2015).
Connections to Digital Access
Telemedicine is one of the most significant changes in medical care access in recent years. Nearly 15 million people have received access to medical care remotely through websites, email or online medical visits according to the American Telemedicine Association. Online health care or telemedicine has many ramifications not only for patients including access and quality control, but also for practitioners such as licensing and reimbursement concerns. Telemedicine allows patients with disabilities or motility concerns to be seen in their homes. Psychiatry is one specialty where there is rapid growth in telemedicine. Patients with mental illnesses can frequently communicate better and are more comfortable when seen by practitioners remotely. There are some challenges, however, with maintaining quality of care and licensing regulations and reimbursement guidelines ("Impact of Telemedicine", 2017.
NPR Radio Broadcasts
The Doctor Will Video Chat With You Now: Insurer Covers Virtual Visits
Published: April 30,2015 Length 3:20
Summary:
United Health Care will begin covering online medical visits. This will save patients time and insurance companies money. Can log into Doctor on Demand with a smartphone from any location. United Health Care will cover all or part of the medical visit. One concern is that people will use the service much more and costs more, but the other possibility is that people will get care earlier and prevent more serious complications.
United Health Care will begin covering online medical visits. This will save patients time and insurance companies money. Can log into Doctor on Demand with a smartphone from any location. United Health Care will cover all or part of the medical visit. One concern is that people will use the service much more and costs more, but the other possibility is that people will get care earlier and prevent more serious complications.
Link to original Podcast and transcript
Telemedicine Expands, Though Financial Prospects Still Uncertain
September 30, 2015 Length 3.33
Summary: Mercy Hospital in St Louis there is a camera over the bed and the nurse checks in with the patient remotely. This method can be a good option for patients in rural areas. Medicare currently will only pay for telemedicine in rural or underserved areas and only when video conferencing is used.
Link to Podcast and transcript
References
Perrin, A., & Duggan, M. (2015, June 26). Americans' Internet Access:
2000-2015. Retrieved May 06, 2017, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/06/26/americans-internet-access-2000-2015/
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology In Education
Smith, Alex ( 2015, September 30)Telemedicine Expands, though financial prospects still uncertain. National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/09/30/444236446/telemedicine-expands-though-financial-prospects-still- uncertain
The Impact of Telemedicine on Healthcare (2017, February 23). Retrieved from http://www.chmbinc.com/impact-telemedicine- healthcare/
The Doctor Will Video Chat With You Now: Insurer Covers Virtual Visits. (2015). NPR.org. Retrieved from
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=403346731
