Key points:
Believing that all students have the same access to technology is a mistake. According to the U.S. Census, 90 percent of American households have a broadband internet subscription, and 95 percent have a computer–but that doesn’t mean kids are learning to use these tech tools as they should. For that, they need access to tech in the classroom.
Unfortunately, not all American classrooms are well-equipped to educate students using advanced tech. Schools around the country need to make changes to ensure equitable technology access and give students and teachers the education and advantages they deserve.
Why do kids need tech in classrooms?
“Back in my day, we didn’t have computers in class.”
“When I went to school, teachers were lucky to have overhead projectors.”
“I remember when students weren’t even allowed to use calculators at their desks.”
Sentiments like these are common among older generations, many of whom believe that kids in K-12 classrooms don’t need technology to learn–and to some extent, they are right. Students have long been learning advanced concepts without the help of advanced tech, and teachers can continue teaching without devices like computers, tablets, interactive whiteboards, and more.
However, just because classrooms don’t necessarily need technology doesn’t mean they wouldn’t benefit from it. Technology has changed education for everyone involved. For teachers, tech tools can make it simpler to manage classrooms and personalize learning to deliver higher-quality education to every student. For students, technology can enhance engagement, improve collaboration, ease communication, and generally make learning fun.
What’s more, giving children access to technology from a young age allows them to begin building the tech skills they will need in the workforce. Technology is not going away; if anything, workers need increasingly sophisticated technology skillsets to achieve career success across industries. By accessing diverse forms of technology early and in an environment that supports practice and experimentation, kids can develop the understanding and proficiency they need to thrive in higher education and beyond.
What is equitable access and why does it matter?
Plenty of schools provide access to technology in classrooms–but not enough of them. Many schools that do offer some technological support in classrooms might not be able to provide a high-quality experience. For instance, they may not have enough devices for every student, or perhaps they have outdated, low-performing computers, internet connections, and digital content.
The result is a digital divide between students who grow up knowing how to use computers and those who don’t. Most often, students who lack access to tech at school do not have technology available at home. Unfortunately, students most impacted by the digital divide tend to come from marginalized communities, and the digital divide only worsens these students’ educational and socioeconomic outcomes, potentially for life.
While all students have a right to education, that does not mean they have equal opportunities. People of different household incomes and racial backgrounds lack the same opportunities. Equity in education is the first step to addressing the issues, and providing equal access to technology is essential to do so.
How can schools improve tech accessibility?
Frustratingly low budgets and high technology costs can make it difficult for schools to deliver the equitable tech access all students and teachers deserve. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that can make it easier for schools to implement technology in classrooms, including:
Government resources to improve digital access. Government initiatives like the federal E-rate program and Title IV of the Every Student Succeeds Act provide the resources schools need to acquire technology for classroom use. Some programs help schools extend digital tools to students for home use, including laptops, tablets, and even internet access. Schools should also look into available grants from state and local governments, as well as from private foundations.
Partnerships with tech businesses. Many high-performing organizations are constantly looking for ways to give back. Schools can partner with companies that can donate funding or tech tools. Local businesses may have fewer requests, but larger corporate partners may have more resources to offer. Education administrators might consider multiple partnerships to fully bridge their tech funding gaps.
Systematic plans for implementing technology. Usually, it isn’t enough for individual schools to fill their own technology needs. District administrators should ensure that all students and teachers have classroom access to tech tools. A systematic plan that includes policies regarding equitable access can help direct action from administrators and educators.
Decades into the 21st century, students need to gain technology knowledge and skills–which means their classrooms need to be equipped with tech tools. With dedicated effort, schools can ensure greater access to the technology students and teachers need, bringing the U.S. closer to closing the digital divide and achieving true equity for all.
