Author: By Christine Floyd, MSW, 504 Coordinator and School Social Worker, Colorado Preparatory Academy
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Sustaining online learning during COVID-19
It's quite possible that remote learning will be necessary in the fall--here's how to navigate online learning during COVID-19
When Project Tomorrow surveyed students in 2015 about what they envision schools will look like in 2020, one student described school as being the place where there would be more educational videos, online class discussions, online games, and texting between teachers and students. Everyone would have their tablet or laptop. … Read More
What the pandemic has revealed about digital equity
Digital equity remains a persistent challenge in districts, and its problems are compounded by distance learning necessitated by COVID-19
Before COVID-19, home internet access for all students was a goal—one that some districts even thought they had achieved. But the pandemic and forced distance learning have exposed a plethora of inequities in schools that many district leaders now see as issues they must address. In the edWebinar “Digital Equity … Read More
How 1:1 provides digital equity during COVID-19
COVID-19 has shed light on digital equity gaps across the nation--here's how one district's 1:1 program helped it prepare for online learning
Digital equity, as defined by ISTE, involves “making sure students have equal access to technology like devices, software, and the internet, and that they have trained educators to help them navigate those tools.” But creating digital equity has historically been a challenge for many school districts – especially those with … Read More
Did you know online learning can lead to equity?
Virtual learning opportunities break down the walls in our educational environment and help more students prepare for post-graduation success
Until all students are treated equally and given access to similar educational resources, we have little chance of achieving equality in K-12 schools. Ultimately, students must have the tools and resources they need not only to graduate, but to be prepared for post-high school success. Related content: 5 things you … Read More
Technology in rural schools: Addressing digital equity
Digital equity is a challenge across the nation, especially in rural schools--but efforts are underway to increase connectivity
The goal of digital equity is to ensure that all students have access to devices, high-speed internet, and opportunities to learn both in school and out. While digital equity is a challenge for all school districts, Dr. Beth Holland, CoSN’s digital equity and rural project director, points out that it … Read More
3 ways to bring equity to STEM education
STEM education is essential even if students don't pursue STEM careers--here are some strategies to make it more accessible and equitable for all students
Progress for the STEM education movement must continue to improve, especially for students in underrepresented communities hard hit by COVID-19. We know that STEM-related education holds opportunities for students, but STEM learning must become more evenly distributed. It’s imperative that we address barriers to STEM education now so that students … Read More
Why I’m optimistic about bridging the digital divide
The COVID-19 pandemic brought disparities front and center--but there is hope that we can close the digital divide among students
Preparing for the unexpected is easier said than done – especially when it comes to education. Long-term school closures caused by a global pandemic were certainly not at the top of educators’ priority lists at this time last year. While administrators have gone above and beyond to address students’, parents’ … Read More
4 strategies to close the digital equity gap
The digital equity gap is wider than many realize—but there are ways to close it
According to Davis, Fuller, Jackson, Pittman, and Sweet (2007), the definition of digital equity is “equal access and opportunity to digital tools, resources, and services to support an increase in digital knowledge, awareness, and skills.” With that in mind, school leaders are working to strategically close the digital equity gap. … Read More
How equity strategies improve student outcomes
Looking at data from students and teachers can help pinpoint effective learning solutions and promote equity
Discussing and developing equity strategies can lead to significant improvements in student performance, and as Dr. Tyrone Howard of UCLA explained during a recent edWebinar, starting the process by looking at data on both students and teachers is a crucial first step toward mutual understanding and effective solutions. Dr. Howard, … Read More