Digital Divide

Education news, analysis, and opinion about the inequities in students’ access to technology and their effect
Equity & Diversity Buses as Tech Hubs: Way More Than Just Wi-Fi
The idea of delivering internet connectivity to students and communities via buses has been around for years. But over the past few years, the scale of those efforts has increased as the mobile tech hubs have been transformed.
Michelle Goldchain, June 21, 2019
6 min read
Classroom Technology Districts Often Out of Touch with Teachers' Biggest Tech Needs, Survey Finds
A recent report from Common Sense Media reveals that teachers don't feel they have the right tech for their classrooms.
David Feller, April 26, 2019
3 min read
Equity & Diversity Can Tapping Into Unused Broadband Spectrum Boost K-12 Connectivity?
The FCC is exploring options for tapping into a largely unused portion of broadband spectrum, in a step that school advocates hope could boost students' access to high-speed internet connectivity.
Michelle Goldchain, February 26, 2019
5 min read
IT Infrastructure & Management Rural Students' Technology Access Still Lagging Behind, ACT Report Shows
While one in five students in U.S. public schools live in a rural area, they are often overlooked when it comes to ed-tech needs, report suggests.
Michelle Goldchain, February 19, 2019
3 min read
Equity & Diversity Automation, Jobs, and Education: 7 Key Takeaways From New Brookings Analysis
Young workers are poised to be hit especially hard by automation, the Brookings Institution found, but schools can help by focusing on students' digital skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Benjamin Herold, January 24, 2019
5 min read
Classroom Technology 'Homework Gap' Hits Minority, Impoverished Students Hardest, Survey Finds
The lack of access to technology and internet connectivity at home is especially severe among poor, rural, and minority students, a new survey from ACT reveals.
Lauraine Langreo, September 19, 2018
5 min read
Equity & Diversity Charter School 4th Graders: Less Access to Computers in School, More At Home
A new analysis of NAEP survey and performance data examines differences in students' access to computers and use of classroom technology.
Benjamin Herold, September 18, 2018
3 min read
Curriculum Characteristics of Effective Tech Coaching in Schools Explored in New Report
Instructional-technology coaching programs should be voluntary, personalized for each teacher, and not used for evaluation, according to a new report from Digital Promise.
Benjamin Herold, August 14, 2018
5 min read
Equity & Diversity Cyberattacks During FCC's 'Net Neutrality' Fight? Didn't Happen, Agency Now Says
During its contentious debate over net neutrality, the FCC said its public comment system was slowed by cyberattacks. Now the agency says those claims were unfounded.
Sean Cavanagh, August 7, 2018
4 min read
Equity & Diversity Democratic FCC Commissioner, Advocate For Net Neutrality and Lifeline, Resigns
Mignon Clyburn, one of two Democrats on the five-member commission, announced her plans to step down.
Sarah Schwartz, April 17, 2018
2 min read
Equity & Diversity Students' Home Internet, Computer Access: 10 Numbers to Know
Home access to digital resources is widespread, but inequities persist based on race, income, family education level, and geography, concludes a report from the U.S. Department of Education.
Benjamin Herold, April 4, 2018
2 min read
Classroom Technology Tech Giants Announce New Funding for 1-to-1 Devices, Computer Science Education
Verizon's education initiative pledged $200 million for technology and teacher training, and Amazon plans to make available computer science education software and scholarships.
Sarah Schwartz, April 2, 2018
3 min read
Equity & Diversity Ed. Department Late on 'Homework Gap' Study, Advocacy Groups Say
The Every Student Succeeds Act required that a report be produced by June. The Department of Education says it won't be ready until March or April.
Benjamin Herold, February 1, 2018
3 min read
Ed-Tech Policy At FCC, Democratic Concerns Over K-12: Q&A With Jessica Rosenworcel
From the Lifeline program to E-rate to net neutrality, the current FCC is threatening digital equity, said Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.
Benjamin Herold, January 25, 2018
7 min read