Horizon Issues 6. E-Mail for Students Return to Issues List The current trend to withhold e-mail accounts from students in schools will provoke intense public debate and law suits over equality of educational opportunity. As e-mail becomes a basic tool of citizenship and communication and as the digital divide widens, the schools that block student access are failing to meet their charge to prepare students for citizenship and wasting valuable network resources. Affluent students gain the power to communicate while less advantaged students are left out of the game.   Learning More Do a search at Electric Library and read at least 2 articles that cast light on this trend or issue. Possible search questions: Should students have e-mail accounts in school? Visit and read through several of the following: Telecollaborative Links School district blocks student access to e-mail Extending the Classroom Walls Electronically Student Expelled for E-mail Threat What is E-Mail? What you don't know can hurt kids Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the issues pages are those of the author, Jamie McKenzie. They are meant to stimulate thought and inquiry about issues and trends, but they do contain some speculation and projection about the future. The author cannot be held responsible if some predictions and trends do not materialize or continue, especially if readers attempt to reverse some of the more disturbing trends. Listing of articles to read should not be interpreted as endorsement of the contents, products or ideas by the author. Credits: The photographs were shot by Jamie McKenzie. Copyright Policy: Materials published in From Now On may be duplicated in hard copy format for educational, nonprofit school district and university use only and may also be sent from person to person by e-mail. All other uses, transmissions and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly.