Equitable Access

As more and more educational materials and resources become available online, students without access to technology may not receive the same opportunities for learning as those with access to technology. Lack of technology access may be caused by socioeconomic reasons. Low income families may not be to purchase a computer or afford the monthly cost of in-home internet (or afford adequate bandwidth speeds). Schools or school systems with low funding may not be able to provide adequate network resources for their students. Computer labs, tablet carts, and campus-wide wireless Internet connections maybe cost prohibited to a school already stretched thin financially. A student's opportunity to learn with effective digital tools should not be limited by the financial abilities of his/her school district. Since most public schools are funded by the tax base of the community, moving to a better school system may not be an option for many students. Due to the number of new effective teaching techniques that require technology and the number of online educational resources available to help students of all levels, not having access to technology can cause a student or group of students to be disadvantaged. This disadvantage can make it increasingly difficult to be accepted into a college, university, or trade-school. Most jobs and industries now require basic technology knowledge. It may be difficult for students to find employment if they are not properly exposed to technology.

Equitable access is not just limited to socioeconomic status. Students of all learning and/or physical abilities should have equal access to technology. A physical disability should not be a reason for a student to unable to learn through technology. Many software and hardware companies have started developing adaptive or assistive technologies to assist students of all levels and abilities.

If a school has limited technology resources, how should teachers and administrators ensure all students receive equal access to the technology?

• Teachers should collaborate with each other to create a schedule for the available technology resources (computer lab, laptop cart, tablet cart, etc). Knowing in advanced when a teacher will have access to the technology will allow him/her to plan efficient and effective lesson utilizing the resources. A schedule will also help administrators track the use of the technology resources and ensure each teacher or grade level has equal access to the resources.
• Teachers and administrators should meet with parents and students to ensure everyone knows details (what, when, and where) of the resources available to the students. Students should be educated on local areas that provide free Internet, such as local and university libraries, coffee shops, and shopping centers.
• Administrators should research available funds, including government grants and local foundations, that support the belief of equal access to technology.
• Administrators may partner with local companies to provide funds, facilities, or other resources to promote equal access. Companies may donate used network equipment or donate funds to the school for tax credit. On example of a business partnership with a school is a laundromat installed and provided free wireless Internet after an educator explain the need for more off-campus access to the Internet. Students could now work on assignments while waiting with his/her parents at the laundromat. As an unintended consequence, the laundromat saw an increase in sales because parents would do laundry at that particular location so their students could do online homework while they waited on the laundry cycle to finish.
• Administrators should develop and implement professional development for the teachers to ensure maximum effectiveness when using the available limited resources.

Equitable Access Resources

ISTE - International Society for Technology in Education (https://www.iste.org/standards/essential-conditions/equitable-access)

SETDA - State Educational Technology Directors Association (http://www.setda.org/priorities/equity-of-access/)

Getting Smart article by Tom Vander Ark (http://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/02/making-tech-just-and-equitable/)