Digital Divide

Education news, analysis, and opinion about the inequities in students’ access to technology and their effect
Ed-Tech Policy Letter to the Editor Using E-Rate to Address the Homework Gap
The FCC's E-rate program can provide relief to many families, says this letter author from the Internet Society.
April 12, 2021
1 min read
Student Well-Being & Movement Video ‘I Felt Like I Was in a Hole’: How One Student Managed the Stress of COVID-19
A Navajo student describes how he experienced the stress and anxiety when his school shut down last year.
March 31, 2021
3:06
This "heat map" generated by GIS technology uses progressively darker colors to illustrate the areas of Palm Beach County with the highest concentrations of families who lack home internet access.
This "heat map" generated by GIS technology uses progressively darker colors to illustrate the areas of Palm Beach County with the highest concentrations of families who lack home internet access.
Courtesy of Donna Goldstein
IT Infrastructure & Management Q&A How to Expand Home Internet Connectivity for K-12 Students Over the Long Haul
One Florida district is mapping its region and prioritizing communities with the greatest economic needs for home internet access.
Mark Lieberman, March 10, 2021
6 min read
Internet connectivity doesn't reach all the houses
Vanessa Solis/Education Week and iStock/Getty
Ed-Tech Policy Q&A Acting FCC Chair: The 'Homework Gap' Is an 'Especially Cruel' Reality During the Pandemic
Under the new leadership of Jessica Rosenworcel, the FCC is exploring broadening the E-Rate to cover home-connectivity needs.
Alyson Klein, March 10, 2021
5 min read
A team of people build a path across the digital divide.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week and iStock/Getty
Special Report K-12 Connectivity Challenges Now and After COVID-19
Internet connectivity at home emerged as a huge problem during COVID-19 and will likely continue to be the case for schools next fall.
March 10, 2021
A team of people build a path across the digital divide.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week and iStock/Getty
IT Infrastructure & Management The Big Pandemic Tech Challenge: Reliable, High-Quality Internet Experiences for All
Simply providing a student with a device and internet connection at home isn’t enough to ensure high-quality online learning.
Mark Lieberman, March 10, 2021
12 min read
Image of a student working on a computer from home.
iStock/Getty
Classroom Technology Low-Income Children Less Likely to Experience 'Live' Contact With Teachers, Analysis Finds
Children from lower-income families are less likely to have internet access, limiting their interactions with educators.
Alyson Klein, February 12, 2021
2 min read
Image of data.
iStock/Getty
Federal Global Test Finds Digital Divide Reflected in Math, Science Scores
New data from the 2019 Trends in International Math and Science Study show teachers and students lack digital access and support.
Sarah D. Sparks, January 21, 2021
3 min read
Image of a teacher filming her lesson using a mobile phone.
Drazen/E+
Classroom Technology Education Technology in 2020: 8 Takeaways From a Chaotic Year
Digital technology was a lifeline for many educators this year, but it was also a source of frustration, bewilderment, and fatigue.
Mark Lieberman, December 17, 2020
7 min read
Personalized Learning Online Summit Personalized Learning and Tech Equity Under COVID-19
This summit will help readers gather ideas and tips for tailoring teaching and learning to students' academic strengths and weaknesses.
November 17, 2020
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, educators are learning important lessons on the fly that they believe will make their schools better for the long haul.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, educators are learning important lessons on the fly that they believe will make their schools better for the long haul.
iStock/Getty Images Plus
Professional Development How Personalized Learning Is Weathering Tough Times: 'Iterate and Learn'
Educators are innovating and learning important lessons on the fly that they believe will make their schools better for the long haul.
Kevin Bushweller, November 4, 2020
6 min read
Student Well-Being & Movement Briefly Stated Briefly Stated: Stories You May Have Missed
A collection of stories from the previous week that you may have missed.
October 26, 2020
9 min read
Classroom Technology Which States Have the Biggest Home Internet Access Gaps for Students?
Mississippi, Arkansas, and New Mexico have the highest percentages of students who lack adequate home technology for remote learning.
Mark Lieberman, October 20, 2020
2 min read
Ed-Tech Policy From Our Research Center Many Students Still Lack Home Internet. Here's How Big the Problem Is.
Only 11 percent of school district leaders and principals said all their students have the home internet access they need to fully participate in virtual instruction.
Mark Lieberman, October 14, 2020
3 min read