Technology has largely influenced and changed education, how we teach children, and how we initiate funding for children’s activities. Non-profit organizations, such as Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, raises awards and scholarships for children in foster care who may not have access to today’s educational necessities, such as a computer. Here are three ways technology helps education and why children in foster care need access to it.
Assistance
Technology in the classroom is more than an extra tool. It is often a child’s solution. Children in foster care with disabilities can spend years in school, frustrated with traditional educational environments that hinder their learning and convince them they are unintelligent. Their disability may go untreated as they switch from school to school. Having access to technology that, for instance, reads text aloud may not seem necessary to some, but can make all the difference to a student who can now finally understand their book.
Accessibility and Communication
42% of children do not begin school immediately after entering foster case due to missing records and gaps in school attendance. Many schools will not enroll a student whose paperwork is missing or incomplete, and there are often delays in transferring needed school or health records. Reasons children in foster care miss school are:
- Eviction of the biological family
- Becoming homeless
- Moving from one home to another
- Parental substance abuse
- Lack of clean clothes to wear
- The parent of child’s desire to hide the physical marks of child abuse
Technology, such as iPads or laptops, can prove to be vital to children in foster care. Teachers can send assignments via email to students who aren’t able to attend class. For children in between schools, being able to practice their writing or math skills online helps them not lose the knowledge they’ve gained. Not only is the student assisted, but their teachers are able receive insight on their well-being.
Research
Technology has not killed print as much as it’s given it new life. Journals, encyclopedias, and more are now available online. Teachers are not only educating their students on how to find proper and legitimate sources online, but requiring them in research. Without access to technology devices at home, children in foster care cannot hone online research skills.
How AFFCF Helps
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation is dedicated to funding activities and initiatives for children. Whether it’s clean clothes so kids don’t miss school or a new laptop, we’re here to be an ally for Arizona foster care organizations. Make a difference in a child’s life today.