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Domain 2 Element 4

Equitable access to technology refers to all students having access to technology and information regardless of their background. A lack of equitable access deprives students of learning opportunities and can limit future opportunities. Educators can help promote equitable access through technology planning, teacher involvement, digital literacy programs, government resources, and community partnerships.

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10 views

Domain 2 Element 4

Equitable access to technology refers to all students having access to technology and information regardless of their background. A lack of equitable access deprives students of learning opportunities and can limit future opportunities. Educators can help promote equitable access through technology planning, teacher involvement, digital literacy programs, government resources, and community partnerships.

Uploaded by

tesfaye
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Equitable access to technology is worth fighting for.

Technology can empower students and enhance


their learning. It also increases the number of opportunities they are exposed to. In many schools in the
United States (and all over the world), students are expected or required to have digital access to
complete their required coursework. However, not all students have equitable access to technology.

What is equitable access to technology?

The commercialization of electronic devices may seem ubiquitous, but not all students have access to
them at home. Digital access measures the level of participation of students in using digital tools
(including both hardware devices and software programs).

Equitable access to technology refers to all students having access to technology and information
regardless of their ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, physical ability, or any other quality. It’s not only
integral for opportunities to learn, but also a fundamental component in assisting students with
acquiring the knowledge and skills they need to become digitally savvy citizens.

A lack of equitable access to technology and information deprives students of learning experiences and
can even limit their opportunities after graduation. This inequity is further exacerbated by the need for
distance learning this school year.

Access to technology is more than just providing devices and connectivity to students. It also involves
making sure every student has the opportunity to learn from a teacher who understands how to use
technology.

Why does equitable access to technology matter?

Many students lack access to technology at home. Some only have access to a smartphone and no data
plan, while others have multiple devices and internet access. This disparity in digital access has been
called “the homework gap” by policymakers.

A student’s socio-economic status impacts how likely they are to have access to technology. A survey by
the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan American think-tank, found 35% of households in the United
States with school-age children and an annual income of under $30,000 do not have access to high-
speed internet. Among households earning $75,000 or more, only 6% lack high-speed internet.

The National Center for Education Statistics conducted a survey that found only 61% of school-aged
children had internet access at home, and yet a majority of students reported requiring the internet to
complete assignments.

What educators can do

Educators play an important role in securing equitable access to technology. They are on the front lines
with students. Here are some ways they can help.

Develop a systematic technology plan

If you are an educator, consider encouraging your school or school district to develop a systemwide
technology plan. Be sure to build it on a foundation of policies that address what is required to provide
equitable access to technology for students. At their core, these policies should outline where to go for
help getting access, ensure individuals know how to access the technology, and be flexible enough to
accommodate the diverse instructional requirements and learning styles students have.

Get teachers involved

Teachers are the liaison between school leadership and students. They are connected with students and
have a good sense of their needs and capabilities. School leaders should work alongside teachers when
implementing programs that promote equitable access to technology for their students. They should be
sure to consult with the relevant teachers who oversee students in the area the initiative is trying to
address.

For example, school leaders should talk to their literacy department before purchasing software that
boosts literacy skills. It may seem like a no-brainer, but many schools end up purchasing outdated or
irrelevant technology simply because they did not run them by teachers beforehand. After all, the first
people who should be trained in the technology are the teachers who will be using it to educate.

Start digital literacy programs


Despite living in a technological world, many students in the United States are not fully comfortable with
digital tools. Some of the factors that cause discomfort with technology among students include lack of
financial resources to purchase digital tools and limited proficiency in English.

Teachers are often aware of which students lack technological skills. Educators would do well to
implement digital literacy programs that allow students to catch up on their technological skills. Some
schools host an after-school program that teaches students the basic computer skills they require.

Utilize governmental resources

Educators can take advantage of governmental resources for digital access. Many schools already utilize
government initiatives like the Federal E-Rate program, which provides discounted internet access and
funding for schools and school districts to help get their kids online while at school. However, there are
also many programs available that promote technology outside of the classroom as well, including local
initiatives to provide hotspots and laptop loaners to students.

Governmental policy is a key resource in ensuring students have equitable access to technology. In the
United States, Title IV of the Every Student Succeeds Act makes funding available so schools are able to
purchase digital tools. This policy assists educators and benefits students. Check to see what grants are
available in your area.

Use partnerships to enable equitable access to technology

Many schools have a shortage of digital resources available for students to use. Despite available
government funding, schools may lack the technology their students require. Partnerships between
schools and external organizations or other schools in the community can help educators bridge their
gap in funds for technology.

The best partnerships are with organizations that have the resources your school lacks. Use the
resources your school does have to barter for access to technology. For example, one school might loan
out a sports field to another school in exchange for time in their computer lab.

Equitable access to technology is a large societal issue. Luckily, educators have the power to increase
equitable access to technology. To learn about technology in the classroom, discover resources for
teachers and students, and gain an understanding of issues in education, head to GoGuardian. Our
smart technology is here to optimize your digital learning program for K-12 learners.

Referance ‍

Note: This article was originally published on September 2, 2020 and was updated on June 16, 2022.

© 2023 Liminex, Inc. doing business as GoGuardian. All rights reserved.

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