We live in a world unfazed by computer generated images, wireless internet, cell phones, and even space travel. Concepts that once were unheard of or things of mere imagination have been brought to life. We now live in a technologically-dependant society where computers are found in homes almost as often as telephones. The instant access to a variety of information has been integrated into and utilized by schools. Most schools and grade levels incorporate technology, namely computer use, into their lessons. This provides knowledge to the students that will serve them well in the future; unfortunately, students that do not receive this education due to poor financial situations for the district are left at a loss.

I can remember a time in elementary school when teachers would ask the class who had access to computers at home and could type their papers. Maybe half of the students would raise their hands. As a class, we would work in the designated computer lab since individual classrooms did not have computers. The internet was an even greater difficultly as many students, myself included, didn’t understand the concept of internet access numbers and “error 114 stjp.” We would much rather find the needed information in an encyclopedia than labor through the complications of the early stage computer technology. Times have certainly changed. Now, it is rare that teachers even ask who owns computers with internet access; it is naturally assumed that everyone does due to the extreme advances and improved availably. A person can hardly go a mile without passing a store which sells computers at relatively low prices. The internet has also become much simpler.

Lesson plans for young grade-schoolers now consist of in-depth explanations of computer use from word processing to internet to educational games and activities. In the high school level, students now use the internet to receive a high percentage of their assignments and tests. This introduction to technology use will undoubtedly serve the students well, as the future will only hold an even greater importance on it. This fact, however, is disturbing for students with limited experience with technology. These now common, everyday advances, which are too often taken for granted by most students, are a luxury or a mystery to those in poorer school districts. The students that are not lucky enough to be exposed to technology will experience many difficulties when trying to find steady careers.