Introduction

The Digital Divide: What Is It?

The digital divide in education, according to the ACT Centre for Equity in Learning, is the gap between those who possess access to and a competent understanding of technology compared to people who do not. It is necessary to consider who can connect to what and how to analyze the split. For instance, a kid who lives with numerous computers and high-speed broadband access is probably going to do better academically than a student who shares a single computer with their whole family and only has dial-up internet access.

According to the ACT Centre for Equity in Learning, this gap widens and keeps underprivileged communities’ socioeconomic inequalities alive as educators employ more technology in their classrooms.

Technology In Education: A Historical Perspective

With the Soviet Union’s Sputnik satellite launch into orbit during the Cold War, technology integration in the classroom got its start. Following America’s first defeat in the space race, the federal government started promoting science and maths education as well as embracing technology. Classcraft states that financing for technology in schools was made available in 1963 under the Vocational Education Act. Computers entered classrooms during the beginning of the 1980s. Classrooms started using Apple computers in the middle of the 1980s.


Although the government provided the first funding for technology in schools, after the federal funds ran out, schools were left to continue supporting technological developments. 

In What Ways Might The Digital Divide Be Closed In A Learning Environment?

Schools have much of the responsibility for accurately identifying the problems and needs of their pupils and ensuring that the devices they have are assigned to the children who most need them. Assessing the needs of the children most impacted by the digital gap should be the first step in figuring out how best to allocate resources. Students from marginalized, lower-income groups are disproportionately affected by the digital divide and may lag behind if they lack the digital resources necessary to do homework projects that require access to the internet, for example. Students are also taking professional help to Take my class.

It’s also critical to keep in mind that gear does not always need to be the newest or most advanced to offer useful access to assistance and information. Educational institutions can also take practical measures to augment their digital hardware inventory, such as reaching out to prospective sponsors or technology businesses to form mutually beneficial partnerships for digital resources.

Does The Digital Divide Affect US Education?

There have been notable effects on education from the digital divide. Low-income, underserved children and districts’ academic achievements have been negatively impacted by the digital divide, which has an impact on both individual students inside a school and groups of students across districts. However many students are not aware of how much should i pay someone to take my online class.

Effects Of People In The Same School

Individuals in schools exhibit digital inequalities. Even with the implementation of technology and instruction on its use, a student’s academic performance will be affected if they do not have access to a gadget or high-speed internet at home. 

. According to a National Centre for Education Statistics survey, pupils who only had dial-up at home or had no access to the internet might be divided into the following categories:

American Indians Made Up About 27% Of The Population.

19% of respondents were Black, and 17% were Hispanic.
Twelve percent came from the Pacific Islands.
Seven percent were multiracial.
White people made up 7%.
Three percent were Asian.

The digital divide disproportionately affects students from marginalized groups. Not only do underprivileged students have restricted internet access, but 19% of them have just one device at home, which is three times more than the percentage for more privileged kids.

Overcoming The Digital Education Gap

Numerous educational leaders have made progress in closing the digital divide in education since the worldwide pandemic brought it to light. Leaders are starting to improve parity across districts and students by guaranteeing every student has a computer and offering internet to those who require it most.

A California task force and fundraised funds to purchase 56,700 computers and supply 94,000 hot spots, while the California Bridging the Digital Divide Fund has raised $12.3 million to assist in providing supplies to kids, according to EdSource.

Final Words: 

People’s lives are made easier and more convenient by technology. Thanks to the advancement of technology, we have access to a wealth of resources on the internet, and this has had a profound effect on education for the younger generation. When I think back on my time studying in China, I remember that every classroom had a chalkboard where the teacher wrote in chalk. Instructors use a projector to show the students the lesson. Frequently, over thirty pupils were present in these sessions, intently listening to the teacher’s lecture and attempting to understand the material while finishing their assignments.

Another strategy to reduce the digital divide in education is to increase digital literacy or competency. Internet-connected people and students can make the most of their digital talents and apply them to every aspect of their lives. We can improve the number of people who can utilize technology effectively by raising digital proficiency.