Stepping into reality

I just realized that many students, even in today's world, do not own a computer nor do they have access to one at home. While in a post before, I stated that if a student doesn't, they need to use the resources at the colleges they attend, I am learning that the more rural students in Tennessee can't get the internet because they are so rural. It's just NOT available. Does this mean they should give up on college? No. It means that they will have to schedule time to be at school more often, to use the computers there. It will take an extra bit of effort. With laziness being so prevalent today, this may cause students to not do their work. Again, while I am sympathetic to their plight, I think that they need to step up to the plate and get to the college to do their work. Most papers are typed. Most work is online. Knowing this may help a student decide on how to proceed with college.

I think a great way to solve some of the issues is to start class with an index card. Get the information on who has internet and who doesn't. Get who has a computer or not, too. This way the teachers can help the students that don't, by showing them the resources, and by printing out copies of what those students need, if something is online. Maybe this will help.

I tend to forget that Tennessee still has hollers, where people are unable to get any service, like cable or internet. We should still keep these students in mind, when teaching in rural areas, and not disclude them the class.

It's certainly something to think about.