‘Big Burden' for Schools Trying to Give Kids Internet Access

Schools were working well before the pandemic to address the challenges presented by the digital divide, which disproportionately affects Black, Latino, and Native American students and those in low-income households. The shift to distance learning dramatically raised the stakes. Schools had to take a lead because the federal government has failed to make internet available and affordable, said Blair Levin, an Obama-era Federal Communications Commission official.“The schools were so stressed,” Levin said. “It was not easy. It was a big burden.”

States have also played a large role in connecting students, funneling money to schools or organizing purchases themselves. Connecticut paid for hot spots and devices. Alabama gave families vouchers for internet service. North Dakota identified students without internet access. Each approach had its drawbacks. Hot spots don't work well in homes with multiple students or if cellphone reception is bad. Some school officials and families criticized the cable and wireless companies' low-cost internet as still too expensive over the long term, or inadequate. Creating networks takes time, funds and expertise, and sometimes they were not ready to go in an emergency.