Dividing Factors

Access to Online Learning Resources:  With the increasing integration of technology in education, many schools, including ours are adopting online learning platforms, digital textbooks, and educational websites as part of their curriculum.  Lee discusses how so much of the coursework given to students has now been digitized and this causes a severe struggle for students who do not have proper access to the materials that they may need to complete their assignments at home (Lee).  Students who lack access to these resources at home may struggle to keep up with their studies, which in turn may lead to disengagement and absenteeism.

Communication:  Many schools use email, messaging apps, or online platforms to communicate important information to students and parents, such as announcements, assignments, and upcoming events.  Reimer and Hill discuss how a lack of connectivity and/or knowledge of technology from parents/guardians can greatly affect a student’s performance and involvement in school.  Students and families that lack internet access may miss out on important communications, leading to misunderstandings about what is happening in the classroom and a lack of involvement in the school community by students and their families.

Digital Skills Development:  In today’s increasingly digital world, proficiency in digital skills is essential for academic and professional success.  Journell points out that students who are from a lower socioeconomic school district do not have the same technological learning experience as those students from a more affluent area (Journell).  Students who lack access to technology at home may fall behind in developing these skills, making it harder for them to navigate digital learning environments and hindering their ability to fully engage in school activities.

Virtual Learning During Absences/Homework Completion:  Missed assignments and homework often require internet access and digital devices for accessing online learning platforms where teachers upload class materials.  Students without reliable access may find it difficult to complete assignments outside of school hours, which can lead to poor academic performance and further widen the gap between them and their peers who can participate in a virtual learning environment.

Unfortunately, even in a post-COVID-19 society, we are still dealing with a lot of these shortfalls, especially in the low-income district that I work in.  All students may now have a device to work from, but that device will not work unless students have access to the internet at home.  The school district may provide hot spots for students, but if that is not communicated effectively to parents/guardians, then they do not even realize that that option exists for them.  Policymakers and members of the community must work to ensure equitable access for all students and their families if we want them to be successful.  The community also needs to become engaged in this fight for equitable access if we ever want to make it a reality.

References:

Hill, J. & Reimer, T. (2022). Crossing the digital divide and the equity expanse: Reaching and teaching all students during the pandemic. Journal of Leadership, Equity, and Research 8(1) 70-86.  https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/ed_facpubs/8/

Journell, W. (2007). The inequities of the digital divide: Is e-learning a solution? E-Learning​, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne​, 4(2), 138–149.  https://doi.org/10.2304/elea.2007.4.2.138

Lee, T. (2018). The digital divide in education.  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/578216ab03596e5098e9fe38/t/5ac832bef950b74252cd747f/1523069632154/The+Digital+Divide+in+Education.pdf