Blogpost

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an unforeseen schooling crisis. Nearly half of the world's students were out of school in 2020 due to partial or complete school closures tied to the pandemic. With COVID-19 requiring school districts to implement remote learning for the remainder of the school year, students who were already behind in class would have an even harder time keeping up with their peers. We have seen the acceleration of several trends in the United States and worldwide since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic, as we have adapted to new ways of living and working. From the advent of online distance learning, which connects students and teachers, to the rise of healthcare, which allows us to seek medical care from the comfort of our own homes to the surge of digital change that's sweeping over our organizations and industries. To encourage digital knowledge, awareness, and skills, digital equality refers to equal access and opportunity to digital tools, resources, and services.

COVID-19 has shown how technology may aid in the fight against the virus's spread, daily living, business continuity, and keeping people socially linked. It has also been established that those left behind in the digital transformation, such as the elderly, are more likely to be left behind permanently. As a result, digital equity is more important than ever for people of all ages. It has been proven that providing children with digital equity makes it easier for them to finish homework, gives them access to technology outside of school hours, improves parent-teacher communication, and provides them with digital citizenship education.

Why Equity Matters?

Digital equity is a state where all people and communities have the information technology skills, they need to remain engaged in our society. Digital equity comprises ensuring that all students have equal access to technology and the key competencies to use it effectively. Why is technology important for equity? When implemented correctly, technology may make a significant contribution to educational equity. It lowers barriers to learning resources, helps students where they are in various learning contexts and needs, and gives educators a better understanding of the learning environments they're creating.

Have you read?

COVID-19 exposed the digital divide. Here's how we can close it

Digital equity for all ages

6 Things Every Educator Should Know About Digital Equity