A computer for every child: Extending contexts for learning for disadvantaged children

Abstract

In this paper we report on the initial findings from a study that provided families from disadvantaged backgrounds with computers with the goal of addressing some of the issues associated with the digital divide. In order to evaluate the outcomes of this study we administered an initial questionnaire which explored the nature of access and use of new technologies in the lives of disadvantaged students including refuges and new immigrants. The programme involves students in Years 3 and 5 of schooling in the Western suburbs of a major metropolitan city in Australia. The initial findings reveal that the students have minimum exposure to new media (such as computers) but all watched television a..