Investigating the Digital Divide in Two Baltimore City Schools to Enhance Community Involvement
Abstract: Overall this project sought to investigate the perceived technology gap in urban schools, specifically at Barclay and Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle Schools in Baltimore City. In this study, we aimed to find out the extent to which school families have access to technology, and as well, their skill levels and habits of technological engagement. Further, we aimed to investigate how technology might facilitate and potentially boost parent and community involvement in the schools, how the schools can better utilize technology to promote enhanced family involvement, and how this in turn might positively affect students. Technology here includes a variety of media, from a computer or laptop to cell phones and smartphones, but in general we were seeking out web 2.0 capabilities and abilities. This research has implications for all urban areas beginning to enhance their usage of technology for school/family communications.