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- ISSN: 2155-7993
- Journal of Modern Education Review
Understanding Urban Cmputing Equity Policy Issues by Examining Ecological Systems
Megean Garvin1, G. LeGrand2,
J. Brenner3
(1. Maryland Center for Computing Education, University
System of Maryland, Adelphi, Maryland, USA;
2. Code in the Schools,
Baltimore, Maryland, USA; 3. University of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA)
Abstract: Urban parents and teachers are aware of computing equity issues in the K-12 schools and their community. The last several years throughout and following the pandemic have provided them with the opportunities to further develop their valuable insights and share them with key policy decision makers. This ecological system study captures their insights and compares them with current policies to reform and innovate urban schools in a large urban school system in Baltimore, Maryland. The results include upgrading the entire computing ecosystem to provide adequate and working devices, reliable Internet connectivity, and computing education content and skills within and beyond the classroom. The continued investment of time and funds devoted to closing the digital divide and responding to the stakeholders is evident in Baltimore City. There is still more work to do, but by examining the ecological system at each level, the policy decision makers can and will continue the forward progress.
Key words: urban education, computing education, ecological system, equity
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