Its a complex concern in the age of COVID-19. As we discovered in the spring, some families still do not have the devices or broadband connectivity they need for remote learning, in spite of mobile computing being a common aspect of our lives. That sad reality had school districts rushing to provide devices and broadband access to trainees when the pandemic initially closed schools.

However as teachers know well, access to technology alone does not develop instructional equity– a theory shown by current screening data: Across the country, nearly one-third of trainees went back to school in the fall below grade level in reading and mathematics despite the prevalent use of education technology by districts in the spring. Edtech cant prevent a trainees race or socioeconomic status from contributing to his or her scholastic success. And it certainly doesnt guarantee top quality knowing experiences.

As I meet group leaders in my suburban Chicago school district, I ask: What is your department doing to create equitable and inclusive knowing conditions for all of our trainees?