Introduction and Rationale
Digitization has changed schooling. The changes have created new opportunities and difficulties for students and teachers. In today’s internationally linked environment, children need technology and the internet to progress intellectually and prepare for success. However, the digital gap persists and it relates to student access to technology and the internet, especially those from low-income homes or disadvantaged groups.
The digital divide has many crucial effects. The phenomenon between pupils who have access to technology and those who do not might worsen educational inequities as technology improves and pervades more areas of life. Social disparities in computer literacy have been common especially for younger pupils and social (Drossel, Eickelmann & Vennemann, 2020).
Technology and internet access are a matter of educational fairness and social justice, not convenience or luxury. Schools and other human services institutions must lead change in closing digital gap and providing equal technology and internet access. Human services schools and organizations must initiate transformation like giving needy students devices and stable internet connections, as well as digital literacy help and training. The paper will examine the education digital divide and possible remedies to closing the gap in Festus’s School.
Problem Statement
Ideal Scenario
The Festus’s School must overcome the digital divide to provide fair education to all its students. The school has to incorporate several strategies to bridge the gap. Every student needs a steady internet connection and a choice of digital equipment.
Current Scenario
The digital gap in the school shows a worrying picture of uneven pupil access to technology and the internet. The discrepancy limits their educational prospects and makes it harder for them to succeed in a digitally dependent world. The school offers digital computers to teachers only and few students have an access to learning digital device. Unfairness across the education sector is therefore fueled by the gap in technology access. Therefore, it is essential to develop solutions to minimize the problem’s effects.
Technology inequality
Many students lack the personal devices needed for effective remote learning. Remote learning is getting more popular. Some students may struggle to fully engage in online activities because they must use shared equipment, while others have their own laptops. Students without smartphones struggle to complete digital assignments and access crucial learning resources, perpetuating educational inequalities. Digital assignments are easier for students using gadgets. As long as there are technological gadget ownership gaps, educational inequities will exist.
Poor Unreliable Internet Connections
Students’ internet access adds to the global digital divide which is one of many reasons behind the difference. Some students come from families without constant internet connection, which affects their capacity to engage in online education programs. They grow up without internet access unlike their counterparts. Many schools and municipal governments lack infrastructure, making the problem worse and a large share of students lack a reliable internet connection for educational purposes just like the school. Additionally, digital resource inequality Students without internet connection or technology struggle to access vital digital resources. They may have trouble accessing e-books, research databases, online educational tools, online discussions, or collaborative projects. Due to this, their educational prospects are limited, limiting their ability to learn the basic skills needed to succeed in modern society.
Potential Consequences
Intellectual achievement
Technology access adds to the success gap between pupils with and without it. The achievement disparity between students with and without technology is concerning. Students without gadgets without a reliable internet connection will struggle to complete digital assignments and participate in online learning. Online research, digital textbooks, online debates, and project collaboration are tough for them since they lack the skills and tools. The inability hinders their schooling, resulting in worse academic performance and a wider achievement gap. Their schooling suffers.
Digital literacy limits
The digital gap, which also causes academic failure for children, makes it harder for pupils to learn digital literacy skills they need to thrive in today’s society. Workplace literacy is growing in importance. Students with minimal technology and online tool experience are less likely to be proficient in digital platforms, productivity software, online research, and digital material critical assessment. Students studying in technology-intensive disciplines are especially at risk of not having enough technology and online tool exposure. In a digital world, their lack of digital literacy puts them at a disadvantage. This disadvantages them and their college and career options are severely constrained.
Educational inequality
Technology and internet-deprived students cannot use the same educational tools and venues as their technologically endowed counterparts. The digital gap keeps educational possibilities uneven. Online educational resources, virtual field excursions, instructional software, and interactive learning platforms are unavailable to these people, limiting their participation and involvement. Students cannot collaborate on projects, use remote learning programs, or employ personalized learning technologies due to their restricted technological access. The disparity in opportunities exacerbates educational inequality, making it harder for disadvantaged areas and youngsters from low-income families.
The Urgency of Addressing the Digital Divide
Ensuring educational equality
Closing the digital gap is about equalizing educational possibilities. Equal access to education is considered one of the most fundamental human rights, and a just society requires it (Fiddiman & Partelow, 2021). If students are denied access to the resources they need to fully participate in digital learning, it creates an uneven playing field where certain students are at a disadvantage due to outside factors. Closing the digital gap will remove obstacles, provide all kids an equal chance to achieve academically, and better prepare them for the future. This will help us overcome our differences.
Future effects
Digital technology is changing education and labor market institutions. Technology research and application are becoming increasingly important for success in education and the workforce (D’Angelo, 2018). Lacking digital gap soon causes young scholars to be unprepared for the job of the future. The pupils gain knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a digital, networked world by giving them equal access to technology and the internet.
Mitigating the Divide
The school attainment gap created by the digital divide, a comprehensive, preventative plan is needed. Educational institutions and human services groups must ensure that all students equally access the internet and computers. Several methods solve this critical issue. First, one of the most important steps is giving financially challenged students their own gadgets and a reliable internet connection. A device distribution program to provide computers and tablets to students without them is the suitable strategy to achieve that. Secondly, seminars or training sessions on digital literacy skills include effective use of online technology, critical assessment of digital material, and proper internet navigation. The programs can help improve the use of digital devices by students. Lastly, promoting digital divide, financing and closure policies can help improve the transformation to digital utilization across all students.
Conclusion
The education digital gap must be addressed immediately. The current situation highlights the evident inequalities in technology and internet access, particularly for low-income and disadvantaged pupils. The children’s education and future prospects are troubled by a lack of personal gadgets, internet connectivity, and digital tools. Technology-challenged students will struggle to complete digital homework and research, slowing their academic advancement. Poor digital literacy hinders a person’s ability to navigate the digital world and gain important skills for education and work. Access disparities also lead to unequal an educational possibility, which prohibits certain children from receiving the same resources and aid as those from wealthier homes. Students without access to digital activities may feel lonely, excluded, and stressed and that can affect their academic output. Educational fairness and social justice make bridging the digital gap urgent. Everyone must work to close the digital gap to ensure that all kids can succeed in the digital era.
References
D’Angelo, C. (2018). The impact of technology: Student engagement and success. Technology and the Curriculum: Summer 2018.
Drossel, K., Eickelmann, B., & Vennemann, M. (2020). Schools overcoming the digital divide: In depth analyses towards organizational resilience in the computer and information literacy domain. Large-Scale Assessments in Education, 8(1), 1-19.
Fiddiman, B., & Partelow, L. (2021). How to Ensure Equitable Access to Great Teaching: A Proposal for Targeted Grants for Educational Excellence. Center for American Progress.
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