Jordyn Rindner, Monica Plunkett

Professor Jeffrey Radloff

EDU 315-609

4/26/22

Increasing Access To Technology

Digital equity means ensuring students have equal access to technology as well as the

training necessary to navigate digital tools. This could take a lot of time and effort when you

consider all types of students who may not have access to technology such as those from

low-income districts or rural communities, kids with physical or learning challenges, and

minority students who are not getting the same opportunities and support that would set them up

for careers in tech fields. Previously digital equity initiatives have focused on increasing access

to computers and the internet. Experts now realize that access to hardware and connectivity does

not necessarily lead to deep engagement or learning with technology.​The effects of digital

inequity extends even into college. The key aspects of the college and financial aid application

processes are entirely online. We need to try to increase the access of technology to everyone.

Many of us take our internet usage for granted but there are a large number of students

that lack access to the internet. Schools and libraries are frequently viewed as a universal access

point for the internet but they are not accessible 24/7. With digital equity, schools can educate

students anytime and anywhere with the latest tools and resources. Learning isn’t limited to a

specific time and place when you have internet access. Technology incorporates different

learning styles and helps teachers to modify their lessons. It also allows teachers to form a better

relationship with their student’s parents through online communication. Although there are many

benefits for everyone to have access to technology, there are a few negatives. Technology can be
a big distraction for students because of ads, games, text messages, news etc. This means

teachers may face the challenge of keeping students on task. In addition, technology has made it

easier for students to cheat. They can copy and paste someone else’s work into their own

assignment or search the answers for test answers. COVID-19 has increased my awareness about

people having equal access to technology. The pandemic has caused every student to stay home

and many students went home without a computer to do their school work with. There was no

way for a student to complete their work for the rest of the year or even reach out to their teacher

that they are unable to complete the work. Not only can they not complete it, they can’t even

receive it.

There are many ways to increase the access of technology. The combination of

inexpensive devices such as chromebooks and open education resources have made it cheaper to

provide students with digital access. Supporting digital literacy allows students to prepare for

middle school, high school, college, and beyond. Having a digital literacy curriculum allows

students to access the content 24/7, so they can work in class or at home. Creating tools and

resources that are free for students and teachers to use allows opportunity to experiment, take

risks, and ultimately find the technology that best matches their needs. What needs to be

researched further is exactly how we can implement the use of 1:1 take home technology and

how we can find these free resources. To implement these ideas there must be a federal or state

law regarding the issue rather than making it up to each school district.

The video we are using for the Ted Ed lesson is called “Why student access to technology

is important”. The lesson will be about how access to technology within schools is important for

all students. Digital equity is necessary for students, especially ever since COVID, because it

allows students a wide range of opportunities. Three questions to ask about our topic are “how
do you ensure digital equity?”, “why is digital equity important in education?”, and “how can

you embed digital equity into schools?”. This website link

https://educatorpages.com/site/UWAGroup4/pages/equitable-digital-access provides a lot of

ways for schools to ensure digital access to all students. Another option for schools to be

digitally equitable is to reach out to the community. Communities tend to support their school

districts and will try to support them as much as possible. Two discussion questions that can be

provided about our topic are “how can digital equity be beneficial in schools?” and “what are

some ways to make schools digitally equitable?”. Digital equity is necessary in schools because

it allows students many opportunities for their futures. Digital equity extends to so much more

than just computers and the internet. Technology is used in everyday life and is needed for many

career fields. This is important for all students.

 References

10 strategies promoting Digital Access and equity. Getting Smart. (2017, March 1). Retrieved

April 26, 2022, from

https://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/03/01/10-strategies-promoting-digital-access-and-eq

uity/

Brown, C. (2022, March 28). 12 pros and cons of technology in the classroom. Resource hub for

schools and districts. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from

https://www.classcraft.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-technology-in-the-classroom/

DeVaney, L. (2018). Equitable Digital Access. Retrieved April 26, 2022, from

https://educatorpages.com/site/UWAGroup4/pages/equitable-digital-access

Digital Equity in Education. Pullias Center. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2022, from

https://pullias.usc.edu/digitalequity/