English for the Underserved Essay

This report outlines the main topics addressed in the article ”English for the Underserved. Alternative technologies to bridge the digital divide.”  by Michael Carrier.

Carrier explains that the lack of ICT in emerging economies has resulted in a digital divide. Whereas thriving economies are able to provide technology to their students, leading to access to global knowledge and higher education, employment and mobility, the most marginalized lack these chances and therefore suffer the consequences.

The author feels compelled, as a member of the Ed Tech community to help those teachers and learners who do not have access to the technology available in first world countries. He aims to do this by assisting to provide a solution to issues such as lack of electricity, internet connectivity, internet enabled devices and appropriate material and content. Furthermore, he aims to do so with the aid of alternative technologies.

According to Carrier, he found the organizations and people who are involved in the development of alternative technologies inspiring due to their innovative spirit and their awareness of the cost to users.

He lists possible solutions to the main issues that emerging economies face.

With reference to reliable electric power, solar power could be used. He claims to have set up a project, together with the Lifeline Energy Organization in which solar powered MP3 players were donated. These devices can successfully record and store audio material for ELT.

Regarding connectivity, the author mentions new developments such as wireless routers with a five mile reach, that are used generally in rural areas. In addition, prepaid cards could be donated to students with access to mobile phones or computers.

What is more, the article goes on to provide solutions even when neither electricity nor connectivity are available.

Portable servers are suggested. They have a built in hard drive, a rechargeable battery and act as a WiFi access point. The servers can store information when they have internet access with the purpose of using it when they don’t. In this way, students can access the content of the server even if both the server and the user are offline. There is an INTEL version of the previously mentioned device.

Likewise, the Rachel project (Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning) has come up with a server which has very similar features and is said to be determined to bring connectivity to the 60% of the population that does not currently benefit from it.

Mobile phones are viewed as a solution to the lack of access to devices. It is stated that even in emerging countries, mobile phones abound. By the year 2022 almost every person in our planet is expected to own a mobile phone. Not only are these gadgets easy to access in any part of the world, but loan systems could be implemented for those who are not fortunate enough to own one. Additionally, group use could be encouraged.

Similarly, in his introduction to “Digital tools for teachers” Nick Peachey points out the importance of technology in the learning process and highlights the benefits of sharing with fellow teachers sources of content that are free and can be accessed offline, such as the British Council.