Digital Equity Series - Schools Boards and Digital Equity
Brian Sankarsingh discusses 10 Reasons why Schools Should Prioritize Digital Equity for Students
In today's rapidly evolving world, access to technology has become an indispensable part of education. Digital equity, the concept is that everyone who wants to participate in a digital world has the opportunity to do so. It means equal access to technology and digital resources and is not just a matter of convenience; it's a matter of social justice and necessity. This article discusses why schools and school boards should be deeply interested in promoting digital equity for their students.
Equal Educational
One of the primary reasons schools should prioritize digital equity is to ensure that all students have equal access to educational opportunities. In the digital age, access to technology is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for students to succeed in their academic journey. Without the necessary digital tools and resources, students can fall behind and miss out on vital learning experiences. This may include research, video\audio and Artificial Intelligence learning.
Prepare Students for the Future
The job market is increasingly reliant on digital skills. This can often range from intermediate to advanced, but rarely mean beginner level skillset. To prepare students for success in the workforce, schools must equip them with the technological skills and knowledge that are in high demand. This would include understanding computer basics, Operating systems and some productivity software. By providing early and often access to digital resources and tools, schools help students build essential skills for the future.
Address the Homework Gap
The digital divide is not limited to the classroom. Often the digital disparity follows the student home. Many students lack access to a computer or reliable internet at home, creating what is often referred to as the "homework gap." Schools can bridge this gap by advocating for students to have access to technology needed to complete assignments, conduct research, and stay connected with their educators. Done at the school board level, this advocacy can be a powerful tool in advancing digital equity among students.
Promote Inclusivity
Digital equity is a matter of inclusivity. It ensures that students of all backgrounds, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have a level playing field. By addressing disparities in access to the internet, technology, and other digital resources, schools can create a more inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Recently many school boards have focused on diversity, equality and inclusion and digital equity for students falls within this operational scope.
Reduce Achievement Gaps
Achievement gaps between diverse groups of students, such as those from low-income backgrounds, can be exacerbated by disparities in access to technology. Schools that prioritize digital equity can help close these gaps by providing the necessary tools and resources to all students, regardless of their economic circumstances.
Enhanced Learning Opportunities
Digital resources open up a world of learning opportunities for students. Whether it's accessing educational videos, online courses, or interactive learning platforms, technology can enhance the educational experience. By ensuring that students have access to these resources, schools can enrich their learning journey.
Fostering Digital Literacy and Security
Digital equity isn't just about providing access to technology; it's also about teaching students how to use it effectively. Schools should not only provide hardware and software but also invest in digital literacy programs to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and effectively. This would include a better understanding of Social media, cybersecurity, and online privacy.
Increasing Engagement
Engagement is a key factor in effective learning. Digital tools and resources can make learning more interactive, engaging, and personalized. Schools that prioritize digital equity can create a more dynamic learning environment that caters to individual students' needs and interests. This engagement can be grassroots and can even extend to the community.
Parental Involvement
Digital equity extends beyond students; it also involves their parents or guardians. Schools can support parents in becoming digitally literate, enabling them to actively engage in their children's education. This partnership between schools and parents can lead to more successful student outcomes.
Build a Competitive Advantage
In a globalized world, a province with well-educated and technologically proficient citizens has a distinct competitive advantage. Schools that prioritize digital equity contribute to the development of a digitally skilled workforce, which benefits society as a whole and positions the nation for success in the global economy.
Digital equity is not an option but a moral imperative for schools. It is about ensuring that every student has equal access to the tools and resources needed for success in education and beyond. By prioritizing digital equity, schools not only promote inclusivity and equal opportunities but also prepare students for the demands of the workplace. In doing so, they bridge the digital divide and help students build a brighter future. Schools, and school boards that take this commitment seriously will contribute to a more equitable, innovative, and competitive society.
Bio: Brian Sankarsingh is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who moved to Canada in the 1980s. He describes himself as an accidental poet, with a passion for advocacy and a penchant for prose, an unapologetic style, he offers his poetry as social and political commentary.
