The CAFE Technology, Equity, and Access (TEA) Committee has developed these tech tips to help families and caregivers find, access, and use digital devices and online resources. The following sections explain using technology for learning:
The CAFE Technology, Equity, and Access (TEA) Committee has developed these tech tips to help families and caregivers find, access, and use digital devices and online resources. The following sections explain using technology for learning:
Today’s world of technology involves three important areas:
Step 1: Get a computer or other digital device
Many public schools loan computers to students. Please ask your school about options.
Public libraries can also help families gain access to a computer or tablet in several ways:
Step 2: Find the right software
The software you choose will depend somewhat on the hardware you have. For example, Chromebooks use Google software, like the Google Suite. Apple computers can run many Microsoft products if purchased, but not all. The same can be said for Microsoft computers and Apple software.
Step 3: Connect to the internet
Internet providers often offer packages and services for educational purposes. If you call them, providers can guide you to the services that best fit your needs. Two ways to find available options are:
Note: When contacting internet providers, be sure to ask for any special discounts.
Your school’s website or your child’s teacher may also be a valuable resource, providing tech tips, videos, and other materials to help in areas like hardware, software applications, digital safety, and educational resources. Often, school websites have dedicated web pages to support families regarding their technological needs. Homeschooling associations can also provide this type of information and support to families.
Did you know your local public library is open to everyone in the community? All libraries support youth and families with print and electronic resources to support education and learning. Libraries are skilled in helping families regarding their technology needs, particularly families who are not connected with a specific school or educational organization, such as homeschool families.
Visit your public library to learn about free resources and programs. If you cannot visit in person, call your local library branch to talk with a librarian who can answer your questions. Or, go online to find your local public library and learn about their available resources.
Ask your child’s teacher for more information about how the school and public library work together to support learning. These partnerships often help children and families access shared resources, attend joint programs (e.g., summer reading, reading night), and sign up for free library cards. All Maryland public libraries offer library cards for minors that will not incur overdue fines.
This section is not an exhaustive guide about technology and online safety but rather a series of guideposts to assist families and caregivers in finding information about online safety.
Today’s technology is powerful, but it is also used for scams, fraud, and bullying. All children should be with a trusted adult when accessing new technology. Speak with your child about the risks of being online.
Get tips and resources on keeping children safe online from the United States Department of Justice website.
Families come from a variety of backgrounds, and their needs are different. Challenges to accessing and using technology may include financial difficulties, limited English proficiency, multi-generational or multi-family living arrangements, and low technology literacy. Here are important tips and strategies to work through these types of challenges.
All families and caregivers can advocate for their children. Here are some additional resource websites for families to support their children’s use of technology:
CAFE TEA would like to express our gratitude to the many people who inspired, advised, and assisted in the creation of this document, including Shirly Bloomfield (CEO, Rural Broadband), Cory Williams (National Education Association), Duane Mattise (Principal, Smith Valley Schools, NV), Megan D’Arcy (Rural Maryland Council). We are also deeply grateful to the past and current members of the CAFE TEA committee: Young-chan Han, Sheila Jackson, Randall MacGill, Carrie Sanders, Kayla Solinsky, Dorothy Stoltz, Heather Tomlinson, Bumsuk Won, and Rachel Wright.
MAEC is an education nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to high-quality education for culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse learners. Collaborative Action for Family Engagement (CAFE), a project of MAEC, is a Statewide Family Engagement Center for Maryland and Pennsylvania. MAEC is committed to the sharing of information regarding issues of equity in education. The contents of this document were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the Statewide Family Engagement Centers Program. However, the contents of this guide do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Department of Education or the federal government, generally.
© 2022 Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc. All rights reserved. Suggested citation: Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc (2022). Tech Tips: A guide on technology