Digital Divide

There are clear benefits to incorporating technology in education. We hear about them, we know them, and
we experience them. A teacher can have a great lesson plan with endless opportunities for the children to
learn and grow using technology and the resources provided on the Internet.

But what happens when there are barriers? What would happen, for example, if a child didnt have access to
a computer or the Internet at home?

The digital divide refers to the inequality in access to technology that exists between communities (Tustin,
2017). This can be caused by regional and demographic differences and can typically be associated with
particular socio-economic groups.

Students who have grown up in homes where they are always surrounded by technology we call these
individuals digital natives, have already acquired a basic technological proficiency. Other students who do
not have the same technological exposure however, may be much more digitally inept, and therefore
disadvantaged in the learning environment (Tustin, 2017).

Access to affordable and reliable broadband is especially difficult to obtain for particular groups of people
with low economic status.

Broadband is accessed by 62% of households, with 86% having internet access (Howell, 2012). That is, 14%
without.

People who tend to have low rates of Internet access include those who are over 55, who are sole parents,
who have low incomes, who are less literate, who are disabled, and those who are unemployed (Curtin,
2001).

A whole aspect of our lives is absent when we are not involved online.

Those who cannot get Internet access are missing out on online job advertisements, government services
and virtual information sharing, and this can be detrimental in a world where so much is executed, shared
and achieved over the Internet.

As teachers we must strive to bridge the divide so that our students can learn the digital skills and fluency
to become successful adults in the digital age.

The first step in doing this, is to get technology into the hands of students. Notice who has access to
technology and the Internet, and who does not. Assess what technologies you have at your own disposal in
the classroom.

If the school is lacking in technological devices, you may want to suggest a bring your own device system,
so students can benefit from technology at school regardless of the institutions lack of resources.

A final consideration is how adept the students are at navigating technology for learning. You may need to
evaluate the learning outcomes against the skills the students will need to be successful.

The digital divide can be a massive barrier for teaching and learning. But if we strive to do everything we
can to eliminate these differences, so that opportunities are equal amongst students, we can deliver
effective, valuable and life-long learning.
 References

Bentley, P. (2014, July 3). Lack of affordable broadband creating 'digital divide. Retrieved April 2017, from
ABC News: Lack of affordable broadband creating 'digital divide

Curtin, D. J. (2001, August 7). A Digital Divide in Rural and Regional Australia? Retrieved April 2017, from
Parliament of Australia:
http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/Publica
tions_Archive/CIB/cib0102/02CIB01#socio

Howell, J. (2012). Teaching with ICT.

Tustin, D. R. (2017). Bridging the Digital Divide in Education. Retrieved April 2017, from Study.com:
http://study.com/academy/lesson/bridging-the-digital-divide-in-education.html