La instalación de un laboratorio de computadoras para una clase de inglés en una universidad de la montaña presenta un reto a la instructora del curso: ¿Cómo realizar un curso con formato de “computer assisted instruction,” cuando los antecedentes académicos de los estudiantes no incluyen una amplia exposición a la computadora? La circunstancia responde al marco conceptual del “digital divide,” o sea la discriminación por falta de acceso a la tecnología de la computadora personal (PC).
A lo largo del curso, los participantes e investigadores reflexionaron oralmente y por escrito acerca de su cultura y de la cultura que representa la computadora mientras se capacitaban en su uso. Los resultados implican que el proceso reflexivo y los talleres lograron apoyar el ajuste del estudiante a la computadora ofreciéndoles un espacio sensible para negociar sus aprehensiones.
Descriptores: brecha digital, tecnología y cultura, computadoras, inglés.
The recent installation of a computer laboratory for an English class offered in a University which is located in the rural mountainous area of the Island has become a challenge for the instructor of the course: How can she complete a course that requires a “computer assisted instruction” format if the academic background of the students who will participate in the laboratory does not include a high degree of exposure to computers or related technology? This situation in many instances has been classified under the conceptual framework of “digital divide” or the possibility of a discriminatory instance due to the lack of accessibility to the technological knowledge that is necessary for the successful completion of tasks when using a personal computer (PC).
Throughout the entire process the participants and investigators reflected orally and in written form about their culture and the “culture” that the computer represented in their lives. The results of this study imply that this reflective process and computer workshop was successful in supporting or enhancing the student’s transition to the computerized environment while sensibly addressing their apprehension towards personal computers.
Keywords: digital divide, computer assisted instruction, English computer laboratory, technology, culture