NETP Part 3: The Digital Access Divide

Greetings and Welcome to another Potentially Useful, From the Desk of the Director, episode of the TCAPSLoop Podcast. It’s part 3 of our NETP series so strap in as we uncover the gap between those with tech access and those without, and explore how it shapes learning. We'll dive into impacts and share possible solutions to bridge this divide.

Moment of Zen: “We are greater than, and greater for, the sum of us.” – Heather McGhee

 

The Rundown:

Follow along by downloading the National EdTech Plan (NETP): A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design, and Use Divides

 

Some Key Points:

• Digital Infrastructure and Devices (inside and outside of school)
  • Availability
  • Affordability
  • Adoption (this is where we see edtech working with families on digcit)

• Note that this section also includes info on making sure your data is accurate about the haves and have-nots.

• Accessibility
  • Accessibility
  • Assistive Technology
  • Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)

• Digital Health, Safety, and Citizenship (Focus on both in school AND OUT)
  • Digital Health - mindful tech use, setting digital boundaries, healthy sleep routines
  • Digital Safety - Privacy, Cybersecurity, Cyberbullying, Online Harassment
  • Digital Citizenship - responsible online behavior, digital footprint, copyright, algorithmic literacy (love that phrase)
• Cultural Responsiveness and Educator Support and Training are also a part of this!

All while keeping in mind a lens of equity and potential unintended consequences.

NETP Recommendations for Closing the Access Divide  

1. 1. Develop a “Portrait of a Learning Environment” to set expectations around habits and abilities no matter what the space. (States, District) 
   2. Establish and maintain a cabinet-level edtech director to ensure the wise and effective spending of edtech funds. (States, Districts) 
   3. Conduct regular needs assessments to ensure technology properly supports learning. (States, Districts, Building-Level Administrators) 
   4. Develop model processes and guidelines for device refresh policies based on local funding structures. (States, Districts) 
   5. Leverage state purchasing power or regional buying consortia when purchasing edtech hardware, software, and services. (States, Districts) 
   6. Develop learning technology plans in consultation with a broad group of stakeholders and according to established review cycles. (States, Districts, Building-Level Administrators) 
   7. Leverage public/private partnerships and community collaboration to bring broadband internet access to previously under-connected areas and ensure student access to “everywhere, all-the-time learning.” (States, Districts, Building-Level Administrators) 
   8. Develop processes and structures that ensure the inclusion of accessibility as a component of procurement processes. (States, Districts, Building-Level Administrators) 
   9. Plan for and incorporate skills and expectations across all grade levels and subject areas for Digital Health, Safety, and Citizenship, and Media Literacy. (States, Districts, BuildingLevel Administrators)

 

Tech Tool of the Week

Professional Learning on the go. You likely know this if you are a listener of ours… podcasts are a great place to get digestible chunks of professional development. 

One of my recent favorites is: 

AEM Center: The Accessible Learning Experience Podcast

 

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Hosts: Danelle Brostrom, Larry Burden, Evan Obranovic

Um and Ramble Editing: Larry Burden

 

Cover art created with help from Adobe Firefly.