Introduction
The widespread use of the Internet is one of the most characteristic features of the 21st century. Managers use it to connect with clients, families, and friends prefer staying connected in social networks, and students often learn through online classes. In education, high-speed and affordable Internet tends to become especially important to ensure remote learning. Although impressive opportunities provided by the Internet imply better access to education, many students still struggle to do their homework due to a lack of broadband.
Bridging Educational Digital Divide
While the majority of students living in large cities have broadband access, those from rural areas and distant locations lack appropriate connections, which makes it difficult for them to learn. According to recent research, “40% of schools lack broadband” in the US (Winslow). At the same time, “70% of American teachers assign homework” that should be completed online (Wong). Low income and remote location are the main issues that create this digital inequality in education. In addition, African-American students are found to have greater challenges doing their homework due to a lack of high-speed connection in their houses (Wong). The existence of these challenges means that some students have lower opportunities to finish school and succeed in the future.
While big telecom providers are often resistant to providing the Internet to remote areas, local players can be targeted. Small telecom providers can partner with local businesses to invest in equipping communities with broadband. For example, counties near the Canadian border can be noted as those that need high-speed connections (Winslow). On the local level, small telecom providers should work as change agents to convince businesses that their efforts would improve students’ access to education. To succeed with their learning, students need equal opportunities since a lack of connectedness makes it almost impossible to thrive. Moreover, the overall life of communities would be better because healthcare, police, fire, and other facilities would become more accessible.
Investments from public companies are another way to bridge the digital divide in education. Wi-Fi hot spots and public libraries can be noted as examples of supporting students with their online studies. AT&T is one of the largest investors that initiate such efforts (WP Creative Group). However, libraries often limit the free time for connection, and Wi-Fi hot spots are usually located in noisy places. The value of the mentioned means of overcoming inequality in education seems to be ambiguous. On the one hand, they are called to support students so that they can upload their essays and contact teachers (WP Creative Group). On the other hand, the convenience and quality of Wi-Fi hot spots and public libraries are limited. It would be better to invest more in providing technology to low-income and rural communities. Therefore, policymakers and leaders are to advocate for improving the opportunities of students.
Conclusion
To conclude, the role of technology in education is considered to be important. The digital divide in education is a problem that places some students in a disadvantaged position, when their chances to do homework and learn effectively are limited. Therefore, there is a need to not only promote digital education but also make sure that students are equipped with broadband. Partnerships with small telecom providers, local businesses, and large public companies can be useful to bridge the digital divide.
Works Cited
Winslow, Joyce. “America’s Digital Divide.” Pew Trust Magazine, 2019, Web.
Wong, Alia. “Why Millions of Teens Can’t Finish Their Homework.” The Atlantic, 2018, Web.
WP Creative Group. “How to Bridge the Digital Divide in Education.” The Washington Post, 2021, Web.