Key points:
Digital equity in schools centers on the idea that all children should have access to the digital components necessary to support learning and help them develop skills to be successful beyond high school.
Part of digital equity in schools is access to high-speed Internet and reliable technology devices, but another component includes giving all students the opportunity to use those devices and access to develop digital literacy.
Let's see where digital equity is today in the districts:
What are the principles of digital equity?
The main issue of digital equity is the idea of inclusive learning. Inclusive classrooms are classrooms where students with diverse abilities and backgrounds learn together in a conventional classroom. To maintain an inclusive learning environment and work toward equity in education, it is critical that educators have effective strategies to ensure that all students, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to thrive academically. Inclusive classrooms mean maximizing equity and access to learning; Here's how to accomplish such a critical step.
What is an example of digital equity in schools?
When examining examples of equity issues in education, a clear example is the homework gap. While the homework gap has existed for some time, massive virtual learning fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the challenge of ensuring that all students, regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic status, have access to homework. appropriate learning devices and reliable access to high-speed Internet. The pandemic raised awareness about the challenge of closing the homework gap—here's what schools can do to connect students.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-access-to-technology-can-create-equity-in-schools”>How access to technology can create equity in schools
The latest version of the program from the US Department of Education. tech.ed.gov/netp/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>National Educational technology Plan (NETP) addresses technological equity in the classroom and points to several obstacles that limit the ability of educational technology to transform teaching and learning. While previous NETPs have largely served as studies of the state of the field, the 2024 NETP frames three key divisions that limit the transformative potential of educational technology to support teaching and learning.
What is an example of equity?
When it comes to digital equity, American schools are well positioned to help families connect with low-cost, high-speed internet options through the federal government program. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), according to a new study from Discovery Education and Comcast. Internet connectivity is just one of many examples of digital equity in schools. The study also found that educators lack centralized resources and the direct support necessary to successfully overcome the barriers of the digital divide.
What are the barriers to digital equity?
As many experts will point out, DEI initiatives are prone to failure when they do not get to the heart of the problem: the existing processes and systemic challenges that prevent promising solutions and DEI-focused policies from succeeding. During an eSchool News Innovation Roundtable focused on DEI, moderated by eSchool News Chief Content Officer Kevin Hogan, district leaders delved into the critical but complicated topic of DEI in school districts, including barriers to equity digital in education.
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