Nationally, the pandemic brought the inequitable access for high-speed internet across student populations at our Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) to the forefront. Pew research from 20211 reports that families making less than $30,000 are half as likely to have home internet than families making $75,000 or more, and the disparities are greater for Black and Hispanic adults, reporting they are 10 percent less likely to have internet at home. In Pennsylvania, for example, 11 percent of households lack internet access or a device2.
Institutions should ensure they have strategies and resources in place to assess if learners have access to broadband internet, the equipment they need, and the level of digital literacy necessary to participate in their educational programs.
Resources
The PA Broadband Development Authority, established in 2021 at the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development (DCED), was tasked with developing a statewide broadband plan through a cross-agency workgroup.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides low-income households with discounts for their home internet bills.
Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (CMC) provided funds to help IHEs that serve minority and Tribal communities. While awards for this program are closed, the plans may provide models for other IHEs.
The US Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology website has several useful resources including its Digital Equity Education Roundtables (DEER) report. This website also includes a on key action steps to ensure access for all.
Thinking strategically about Digital Equity
- Survey your students.
- Adopt broadband recommendations.
- Advocate for digital literacy and basic digital skills training.
- Ensure students have devices needed to complete their work.
1 Demographics of Internet and Home Broadband Usage in the United States | Pew Research Center