Addressing The Digital Divide In Education: Technology And Internet Access For Students In Underserved Communities

Although there are many technological solutions that can positively impact the educational digital divide, the following three are particularly noteworthy.

1. Universal Connectivity/Enhancing Connectivity: Currently, the biggest barrier impacting access to education is connectivity. Nearly all policy recommendations that address the digital divide focus on increasing connectivity as the top priority. Inequitable access to electronic devices and reliable, high-speed internet connections has a negative impact on opportunity, achievement and equity gaps in education. Many argue that high-speed broadband should now be considered basic community infrastructure, given that access is so crucial to nearly all aspects of modern life. Programs that address internet access imbalances — including universal community-based Wi-Fi and those developed through the Wireless Reach Initiative — can improve educational opportunities and ensure that all students are prepared to succeed.
2. Flexible Educational Platforms: During the pandemic, almost every school began working with a digital platform to deliver content, communicate with students and parents and provide instruction. But as with any other technological solution, the features and benefits vary between platforms, with some offering more flexibility than others. Options are available that provide offline access to content or allow content to be downloaded or stored. However, although these platforms can help improve access to certain materials, they still do not address the underlying problem of no internet access — and thus, do not benefit students who must be homeschooled during a pandemic.
3. Working With Families 1:1: For communities where universal Wi-Fi isn't an option, they may want to consider upgrading public access through facilities such as libraries and community centers. The community can also work with a variety of businesses and organizations to assist them with overcoming the challenges with technology access, such as the Closing The Gap Foundation. By identifying the resources that are needed, the community can work together to address the needs and narrow the educational digital divide.

[Thomas McElroy is CEO and Founder of Level-1 Global Solutions]