Virtual learning can’t succeed without digital skills training

Even when students have devices and internet connections, they must have training to develop the digital skills necessary to make virtual learning a success

As we enter into a new school year, two things are certain. First, the experience for every member of the extended school community – students, educators, families, school officials, and staff – will be profoundly changed this fall. Second, learning for many students will take the form of full-time or part-time virtual learning outside of the classroom.

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As learners and their families tackle these unprecedented challenges, it is incumbent on school districts, state and local officials, and communities to ensure that students have every support and resource possible to help them learn effectively in virtual learning settings–including access to actionable, culturally-competent digital training.

Since schools were forced to make the rapid and unplanned transition to distance learning this spring, news outlets, educators, businesses, and nonprofit organizations across the country have consistently drawn attention to the disastrous impacts of the digital divide, borne disproportionately by students of color and those from low-income households.

eSchool Media Contributors