Digital Equity

When we think of f2f classrooms in schools we provide the equity students require to be successful. We have desks, supplies, technology and supports, essentially a fairly even playing field for learning. One other thing classroom teachers tend to have is a budget. There needs to be budget allocated for online learning, although there may not be photocopying, there is software and subscriptions required...and school supplies, yes, school supplies. I mean, would you expect an online biology student to supply their own frog for a dissection, or the tools to do it for that matter?

Homes are not like schools, they don’t necessarily have quiet places for school work, they may not have any adults available to support learning, they may not have schedules or be free of distractions, or have rules regarding appropriate technology use, not all have the same access to technology, not all have the same access to internet services or bandwidth… homes are not the same as schools, but that doesn’t mean students can’t learn at home.

So why is this important?

Digital equity is important because we need to help ensure that students have the means to be successful with the tools they have available to them. That means, we need to be aware of their needs, and that we can adapt our instruction and materials to cater to each individual as best we can.

Articles

The increasing significance of digital equity in higher education

Capturing digital (in)equity in teaching and learning: a sociocritical approach

Identity and digital equity: Reflections on a university educational technology course

Digital Equity - First Nations Technology Council

What is Digital Equity

Digital equity and community solidarity during and after COVID-19

Digital Equity