Equity in Education

By Talitha Batts & Rasheda Kelley

Access to technology is imperative to the education of students. Our society has advanced tremendously with learning tools of instruction. Fair distribution of digital resources, such as broadband services, can positively change a student’s performance. In research from Resta and Laferrière (2015), the division of digital tools can cause inequalities such as inefficient digital and literacy skills, lack of technical support, and unskilled information science educators. It is vital to have technology accessible in all areas. Digital fairness provides all individuals the ability, technical aid, and skills to advance in a technological society.

Education needs a consistent voice about digital equity. Initiatives such as the Digital Equity Collaborative[1] North Carolina promotes equity and inclusion in digital services. Housed within The North Carolina Department of Information Technology[2], the program has generated resourcefulness to ensure the accessibility of broadband services is cost-effective and geographically available, specifically in rural and low-income communities of North Carolina. The lack of access to digital services affects the need to close the gap in technology accessibility disparities. More local programs, initiatives, and research, such as the Digital Equity Collaborative, are excellent approaches to ending digital inequality in our communities and advancing the education of students. In summary here are five ways to advance digital equity in education…

1. Providing access to technology and internet connectivity to all students, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.
2. Offering digital literacy training to educators, parents, and students to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital skills.
3. Ensuring that digital learning materials and resources are accessible and inclusive for all students, including those with disabilities or language barriers.
4. Encouraging the development of affordable and relevant digital content and tools that can improve student learning experiences.
5. Collaborating with community-based organizations, businesses, and government agencies to support initiatives that promote digital equity in education.

References:

Closing the Digital Divide | ncbroadband.gov. (2022). https://www.ncbroadband.gov/digital-divide/closing-digital-divide

Digital Equity Collaborative | ncbroadband.gov. (2022). https://www.ncbroadband.gov/digital-divide/digital-equity-collaborative

Resta, P., & Laferrière, T. (2015). Digital equity and intercultural education. Education and Information Technologies, 20(4), 743–756. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-015-9419-z

[1] Digital Equity Collaborative | ncbroadband.gov. (2022). https://www.ncbroadband.gov/digital-divide/digital-equity-collaborative

[2] Closing the Digital Divide | ncbroadband.gov. (2022). https://www.ncbroadband.gov/digital-divide/closing-digital-divide