The Universal Connectivity Imperative: Sustaining Progress to Close the Digital Access Divide in K-12 Education
Due to rapid changes in the digital landscape, the first decade of the new millennium paved the path for technology-enabled teaching and learning. However, the COVID-19 pandemic entirely reshaped the national conversation in K–12 from one strictly focused on at-school connectivity to one that considers “universal connectivity,” even outside of school grounds, as a required component of a modern education system. Federal data reveals that many American households, especially those with Black, Hispanic, or Indigenous students and those who reside in rural areas, are impacted by this digital access divide. Research continues to suggest that K–12 students are more likely to achieve greater success and well-being when they are connected off-campus.
The Universal Connectivity Imperative: Sustaining Progress to Close the Digital Access Divide in K-12 Education