From Access to Achievement- Why Digital Equity is a Must

There is a gap today known as the digital divide. According to the Internet Foundation Society, this gap is defined by the United Nations as “a gap between people who have access to and use Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs)…” Digital equity is equal access to not only the internet, but technology required to access it and the skills needed to participate in activities. In today’s world- specifically the classroom, digital equity is a MUST. It is no longer a luxury to have a Chromebook, but a necessity. Thus, making internet access a must as well. Students are expected to have access to everything from online textbooks and platforms that help manage their learning (think Microsoft Teams, Clever, Oncourse) to digital assessments. Students are often expected to collaborate with their classmates, take assessments, complete assignments, and show their understanding of what they learned using technology. Are we setting our students up for success and giving them access to achievement? Or are we causing a greater divide? This continues to create barriers to student success in education.

What is it….

Digital equity is ensuring that all students have access to the internet, technology, AND the digital skills needed to participate fully in today’s classroom- or any “modern” educational setting. Often, digital inequity looks like:

• Lack of reliable internet: no home access or inconsistent, unreliable connections, especially in rural areas.
• Limited access to technology: This could look like no access to computers, laptops, tablets at home- only at school.
• Limited digital literacy skills

These issues are most prominent in rural, low-income, or disadvantaged communities. These barriers prevent students from completing assignments at home, participating in online learning, or developing the technology skills essential to life today.

Checkout this video explaining Digital Equity:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNpmaCc_AzE

Well, Just Don’t Assign Homework…

That would be an easy fix, right? Only COVID-19 proved that this is not an easy solution. During this time, many students had to complete schoolwork virtually on smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Some students had to rely on devices provided by the school (which created another issue, especially in districts with low-income areas where funding is limited). They also had to rely on public internet, the library, etc. According to Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, 1 in 3 households in Louisiana do not have access to reliable highspeed internet. (https://www.benton.org/blog/louisianas-plan-affordable-broadband). Leaders for a Better Louisiana points out the same statistic as well as mentioning the digital divide and its “disturbing story”. Quoting that:

                  “28% have no access to school-issued or personal laptop or tablet.

                  “Nearly 10% of teachers do not have the necessary technology including internet and computers to do their work from home.”

Fast forward, and even though we are in-person learning and have been for a while, schools are relying more on technology and digital tools for homework, communication with students and parents, and instructional tools needed for students’ education.

For example, one student may have a full understanding of the content being taught but may fail / receive deductions because they cannot upload their work without a stable internet connection. So, we give them time at school, right? Well, that creates a further equity issue. Some students need extended time that is not available during the class period. Should educators take away recess so they can use the access? That is just punishing students for lack of resources. Do we lower the expectations? Then, how do students continue to receive the rigorous instruction they need?

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

Who is affected….

Students

It (digital equity) not only affects a student's grades, but also can affect their confidence, their engagement in the classroom, as well as opportunities in the future. Students without access can experience stress (seen firsthand, students may stress out over not being able to complete an activity at home), and they may fall behind (students with health issues and no access are unable to keep up with the work while at home). Another way students are affected is with the opportunity to develop technology skills that will be used in higher education and the workforce. Have you read an email from a student lately? That is just one small example of the lack of digital skills.

Thinking, “Well, they get on social media and YouTube what do you mean they are lacking digital skills?” Yeah, I thought the same thing- until I (as a grown woman with great internet and resources) realized that my digital skills weren’t up to par. Now, apply my lack of skills to a student who has no access… what happens? They fall behind. Scrolling social media is not the same in today’s world. I get that now. Adults today grew up in a different generation- this makes it a bit harder to see the gap that continues to form in today’s world.

Back to the gap: over time, these gaps can widen the achievement disparities among students.

Educators

As educators, we face challenges when students lack equal access to the digital tools they need. This means we may need to create multiple versions of assignments. While this is not a bad idea and can create options for students in their learning, it can lead to further issues, such as adjusting expectations despite the demands of the curriculum. Another challenge faced would be the need to provide additional support outside of the class period. Most educators don’t mind; however, time is limited, and many students already need additional time for other reasons (learning disabilities, etc). Ensuring students have digital equity allows educators to focus on teaching rather than troubleshooting access issues.

So what do you want me to do about it?

I get it. It is a difficult issue- it's complex with multiple components. But there are a couple of ideas we, as educators, a school, and a community, can pursue. And, let's be honest, some we already implement

1. Device and Internet Access: Many of these were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, but have we kept them up? Are these solutions still offered?

1. 1. We can have school-issued laptops or tablets available.

1. 1. Mobile hotspots can be issued / checked out to students.

1. 1. Create a community partnership with different internet providers.

1. Digital Literacy Instruction

1. 1. Teach students not only how to use technology, but also how to use it safely, ethically, and effectively. Present and teach it for what it can be, not just a device for watching videos.

1. 1. Have literacy nights- not just reading, but add digital literacy. Support families with basic technology training. There are many programs our students use today that parents are not fluent in, because we never had the need.

The link below offers education for families about boosting digital literacy.

https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/when-families-ask-about-activities-to-boost-digital-literacy-well-being

1. Design Flexible Instruction: now, in reality, this should become a common practice because it is good pedagogy and supports a Universal Design. But educators can:

1. 1. Offer assignment options that are low-tech or no-tech.

1. 1. Extend deadlines when access is limited.

1. Advocate for expanded broadband access.

Now what?

It is essential that we bridge the digital equity divide. It is essential to provide all students with an education- in today's world, digital equity is needed for “Free and Appropriate”  education. Access to different technology and the internet is no longer an option; it is a necessity for learning, communication, and a student's future success. The longer they go without bridging the gap, the larger the gap becomes. We can begin to bridge this gap by acknowledging its existence, implementing useful strategies, and supporting not only educators and students but also families. This will create a more inclusive learning environment for all.

Photo by Joseph Ogbonnaya on Unsplash

References

council. (2020, August 7). Bridging the Digital Divide in Education Across Louisiana. Leaders for a Better Louisiana. https://betterla.org/news/bridging-the-digital-divide-in-education/

Louisiana’s Plan for Affordable Broadband. (2024, June 3). Benton Foundation. https://www.benton.org/blog/louisianas-plan-affordable-broadband

Streger, G. (2023). What is digital equity? Internet Society Foundation. https://www.isocfoundation.org/2023/06/what-is-digital-equity/

Unsplash. (2026). Kids Using Technology Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash. Unsplash.com; Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/s/photos/kids-using-technology

Welcome To Zscaler Directory Authentication. (2026). Commonsense.org. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/when-families-ask-about-activities-to-boost-digital-literacy-well-being