Community Informatics Lab Announces Research Project Studying Digital Equity Ecosystems During COVID-19

We define Digital Equity Ecosystems as interactions between individuals, populations, communities, and their larger sociotechnical environments that all play a role in shaping the digital inclusion work in local communities to promote more equitable access to technology and social and racial justice. Our research in this area seeks to understand the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and families without household internet access and how digital inclusion coalitions across the nation have responded in turn. The research uses a social ecological approach and participatory action research methods with individuals from communities most impacted by the pandemic. 

The goal of the study is to provide data and evidence to help local, state, and federal policymakers in the US develop more effective digital equity strategies nationwide. Findings from the study will also be useful for key stakeholders working to promote digital equity and racial justice in communities struggling with poverty during COVID-19 and after the pandemic ends.