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How Technology Bridges the Digital Divide in Education

The digital divide is a major hurdle in education, keeping millions of students worldwide from accessing the resources and opportunities they can benefit from through modern technology. Yet, many technological solutions, transformative policies, and community based efforts are making strides to narrow this divide and create a new world of equitable learners, irrespective of background, status or geographical location in which they live. In this article we will examine how technology, through its very nature, provides opportunities for learners to reduce the digital divide in education through access, equity and through a quality of learning.

*Understanding the Digital Divide* in Education

The digital divide in education is the gap that exists between individuals and communities that have access and ready access to digital tools – for example, computers, and reliable internet – and those that do not. This divide is most obvious in lower-income, rural, and communities of people with marginalized identities. Because they have fewer technological resources when compared to their more affluent classmates, often the students from those communities have to work harder for lower academic success and lower life opportunity

Key Ways Technology Bridges the Gap

1. Broadening Access to Devices and Internet

Access to devices is the first step in narrowing the digital divide in education. Many schools have provided laptops, tablets, or Chromebooks for students to take home to complete tasks assigned at school. Device loaning programs, self-service Smart Lockers, or items owned by institutions ensure that all learners are provided opportunities for digital learning.

While having access to devices is essential, having dependable internet access is also essential. Some supports for providing internet access include aid allowances in some states, low-quality internet access for low-income families, and mobile hotspots or community Wi-Fi support in fairly specified areas. It is commonplace for people in low-socioeconomic rural areas or developing countries to access learning opportunities through devices that are solar powered, in this regard, digital learning can still happen even when brick-and-mortar solutions are not available. 

2. Cost-effective and Available Learning Platforms

The availability of inexpensive and free EdTech platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and Duolingo means that high-quality educational content is now available directly to students in every part of the world. This empowers learners from remote communities or challenging resource environments to engage with high-quality content. To deal with connectivity issues, many EdTech providers also offer offline opportunities for learning, such as downloadable lessons that do not require constant access to the internet. 

3. Improving Digital Literacy and Teacher Development

Technology is not enough, we need digital literacy. Schools and governments are increasingly focused on digital skills training for students and teachers.  Teachers are receiving targeted and intentional professional development to operationalize Learning Management Systems (LMS) and tools for interactive digital tools, while students learn the computer skills they need, the how to's of safe internet use, and strategies for evaluating information online. By investing in digital literacy at all levels in the education system we create more opportunities to be inclusive.

4. Mobile-First and Personalized Learning Solutions

Mobile device penetration is high, and even higher in emerging markets. Educators are finding mobile-compatible LMS and educational apps that make learning much more accessible, and added flexibility. Personalized learning platforms are virtual learning environments that use artificial intelligence and data analytics to design educational content around the needs of each student. By customizing learning experiences, students and families are able to work at their own pace. Personalized learning experiences help close achievement gaps.  

5. Localized, and Inclusive Content

Digital platforms are built for many different people, and digital platforms supply localized content for many different people in many different languages, and forms. With a focus on accessibility (including text-to-speech, captions and voice controls), students with disabilities can remain involved. Accessibility directly improves the design process while smoothing the road blocks to equitable participation.

Success Stories in the Real World

• In rural Indian settings, companies like Digital Empowerment Foundation establish Community Information Resource Centers to teach basic digital skills and Ekal Vidyalaya supplies solar powered tablets in local languages to schools. The Nanhi Kali project provides digitally-savvy learning materials for disadvantaged girls, helping to build students’ confidence and achievement.

• Scientix is providing disadvantaged schools in Europe with devices, and equipping teachers to use them, working with tech companies to enable a smoother transition to digital fluency for educators and students.

Remaining Challenges 

While technology is essential, there also are challenges:

• Lack of infrastructure in rural/remote locations, which can include unreliable electricity and internet access.

• Socioeconomic barriers like whether devices and/or the ability to keep paying for ongoing work and service costs are affordable.

• The need for continuous training for teachers, and adaptations to curricula, in line with the fast pace of technological advancements.

• Questions of digital equity, as culturally and economically disadvantaged people are still not getting the same (or equal) access, especially in communities that have had and continue to have the most challenges.

The Future of Bridging the Digital Divide

Addressing the digital divide that exists in education is a collective endeavor. Governments, the private sector, non-profits, and communities working collaboratively can overcome disparities. Education technology can help to close the divide by investing in infrastructure, providing low or no-cost technology solutions, promoting digital literacy and creating content that is accessible to centralize learning for all learners, regardless of or geographic location. 

Utilizing these tools and strategies can not only assist students in their educational goals, but also to succeed in the global economy that prioritizes a digital-first approach. Although eliminating the digital divide in education is a journey, as we move forward and develop advancements in technology along with inclusive policies, we move closer to closing this gap—and opening doors to opportunities for everyone.