Advancing Digital Equity for All

To ensure all learners have equitable access to reliable, high-speed broadband and technology tools for learning, we must consider the three components of access—availability, affordability, and adoption. The purpose of this guidance resource is to support leaders in developing effective digital equity plans in these ways:  Exploring the three components of access—availability, affordability, and adoption; Highlighting existing barriers to achieving digital equity; Providing promising strategies to overcome these barriers; Identifying key action steps for leaders. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) recommends the following to ensure digital equity:

• Develop and earn public trust through partnerships.
• Learn from those impacted by inequitable access and provide opportunities for feedback.
• Co-develop clear goals and strategies with communities to craft a comprehensive digital equity plan.
• Raise public awareness and provide ongoing support for low- or no-cost broadband programs.
• Provide digital literacy training and professional learning opportunities.