The task to close the digital gap, is massive in the effort it needs, and in the finances required..
what can we do? Here are a few ideas:.

It will cost $6 billion and as much as $11 billion in the first 12 months to close this gap for trainees, and $1 billion to close the space for teachers..

Cyberspace, the net, the Information SuperHighway, the World Wide Web, “Jennifer,”: whatever you call it, the web in the United States is firmly embedded in our culture, work, and social time, a lot more so in the last year.
Even though the internet is a tool to enhance all aspects of life, it is now a vital piece in the education of our youth. Without accessible and trusted internet, trainees are at risk for learning loss.
A CommonSense Media analysis called, Closing the K-12 Digital Divide in the Age of Distance Learning found the following:.
Chandra, S., Chang, A., Day, L., Fazlullah, A., Liu, J., McBride, L., Mudalige, T., Weiss, D., (2020 ). Closing the K– 12 Digital Divide in the Age of Distance Learning. San Francisco, CA: Common Sense Media. Boston, Massachusetts, Boston Consulting Group..
Heres an appearance at additional data points within the report:.

more about trainees in poverty.

Around 300,000 to 400,000 K-12 instructors do not have trusted web connection, and 10% of teachers do not have appropriate home gadgets..

Google searches indicate companies like Comcast, T-Mobile, and AT&T, along with Forbes, EducationSuperHighway and FutureReady are bringing awareness and in some cases, imaginative options to attend to the digital gap. Closing the Digital Divide Critical in COVID-19 Response. Homework Gap: Future Ready. Stunning digital divides in range knowing emerge. COVID-19 Education Equity Guide: Digital Access.

the linked CommonSense Media report above.

The digital divide exists throughout the board in all 50 states and matching neighborhoods however is more noticeable in rural communities and families with Black, Latinx, and Native American students. Distance learning models have made digital gaps a lot more visible.

Theres hope ahead! Google searches indicate business like Comcast, T-Mobile, and AT&T, in addition to Forbes, EducationSuperHighway and FutureReady are bringing awareness and in some cases, imaginative options to resolve the digital space. We require to keep a close watch on this issue to advocate for digital equity- our students and teachers deserve it..
Recommended Resources.
Closing the Digital Divide Critical in COVID-19 Response.
Dedication to Education. Education. (2021, January 5). https://corporate.comcast.com/education. .
The Homework Gap. For Rural Affairs – Building a Better Rural Future. (2020, July 15). https://www.cfra.org/publications/homework-gap  .
Haider, A. The Basic Facts About Children in Poverty. For American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/poverty/reports/2021/01/12/494506/basic-facts-children-poverty/  .
Research Gap: Future Ready. Future Ready iCal. https://futureready.org/homework-gap/  .
Equitable access. ISTE. https://www.iste.org/standards/essential-conditions/equitable-access  .
Soul Pancake. (2017 ). The Homework Gap. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqkAlwGsxwE  .
Startling digital divides in distance knowing emerge. UNESCO. (2020, August 10). https://en.unesco.org/news/startling-digital-divides-distance-learning-emerge  .
The Homework Gap. For Rural Affairs – Building a Better Rural Future. (2020, July 15). https://www.cfra.org/publications/homework-gap  .
COVID-19 Education Equity Guide: Digital Access.

this extensive site about the homework space, and the effort to close it. Check out the suggested resources cited at the end of this post. These resources will clarify all the aspects of the digital divide, and will assist strengthen your advocacy!.

While teachers are exceptional advocates for their trainees and prepare for a variety of backgrounds and discovering needs, its essential to continue being conscious of how students are able to fully take part in school..
Call your regional and nationwide Senators and/or representatives. They have the power to make the modifications, and call volume boosts attention..

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