Khoo’s (2019) discussion of “entangled lives” really resonated with me, especially in how it acknowledges that learning does not happen in isolation. For my middle school students, everything outside and inside of school impacts their ability to learn. Home life, access to technology, family support, sleep, food, friendships, and social dynamics all play a role. At this age, these factors often feel amplified, and it becomes very clear that access to a device or a tool is only one small part of what determines success in learning.
In my own classroom, I try to respond to these realities by creating as much equity as I can. I ensure that all students start at the same level in terms of foundational technology skills and that they have access to the same tools during class time. I also intentionally choose free programs such as Krita, GIMP, Piskel Art, and Code.org so students are able to continue exploring outside of school if they have the opportunity. At the same time, I have become increasingly aware that not all students have access to devices at home, so I open up my classroom during lunch to give students additional opportunities to practice and explore.
Even with these supports in place, I can still see the limitations. There are significant gaps in student learning that are difficult to bridge, and sometimes I find myself shifting the focus of my classroom to support basic literacy or numeracy skills so students can engage more meaningfully with the technology. While this may not always feel like the most effective use of digital tools, it reflects the reality that students need these foundational skills in order to find success.
Khoo’s concept of entangled lives helped me recognize that equity is not something that can be fully achieved through access alone. It requires constant adjustment, awareness, and responsiveness to students’ lived experiences. This reflection reinforced for me that teaching in digital environments is not just about providing tools, but about understanding and supporting the complex realities that shape how students are able to participate and learn.
Footnote: ChatGPT was used to refine the language in the final draft. All concepts and ideas are mine.
References:
Khoo, S. (2019, April 11). Openings: Bounded (in)equities: Entangled lives [Video]. YouTube.