The pandemic spurred innovation in many school districts, particularly in implementing 1:1 device initiatives. Nearly every district used its pandemic relief funds to buy Chromebooks, iPads—you name it. However, there’s one misconception that leaders and communities seem to fall victim to: the idea that the digital access divide has since been closed.
There’s still work to be done surrounding digital access, explains InnovateEDU cofounder and CEO Erin Mote in this episode of the “Talking Out of School Podcast.” She says inequities still exist outside classroom walls.
“I still see kids in the middle of Brooklyn doing their homework in a Taco Bell parking lot so they can get access to WiFi,” says Mote, who was recently named one of DA’s Top 100 Influencers in education.
Portrait of a graduate: 6 keys to successful plans
It’s far too early to pat ourselves on the back and say “mission accomplished,” she adds. However, there are several ways educators can begin pioneering initiatives to close the digital access divide in their own schools.
She also speaks about what educators are saying about artificial intelligence and the importance of upskilling teachers so that they can use these tools to supplement their instruction without letting innovative technologies replace educators.
Learn more by listening to the podcast below, or on Apple, Podbean or Spotify.
