E-Learning creating education gaps

<h3>COVID-19 and Educational Inequalities</h3>The Covid-19 pandemic forced millions of students out of their classrooms, shifting their learning online. That shift away from in-person education now presents new challenges for students and educators.&nbsp;Especially hard hit were students in rural communities and those in low-income households due to a lack of access to computer equipment and high-speed internet connections. These students also face crowded living areas and other economic hardships unlike more fortunate peers.Adding to the “digital divide” are space issues. Students living in temporary housing, shelters and public housing often lack room where they can focus on their studies. They may also have jobs or be providing child care for their siblings while their parents work.Low-income students may suffer from a sense of instability even though they have access to food and other basic needs. The pandemic keeps them from protecting people who are not living in poverty enjoy.Lack of regular access to computers and study areas can significantly hamper students’ potential for education, growth and development.&nbsp;For example, fewer than half of students living in low-income areas have internet access. This compares to 91% of middle and upper-income families living in urban areas. Slow connections and sharing one computer or tablet among several children adds to the problem of educating these children.Despite these barriers, some students attempt to do their schoolwork using mobile phones, which lack the required features—larger screens and keyboards—needed for effective learning.<h3>Educators’ Response</h3>Educators are doing their best to help these disadvantaged students. They are providing printed versions of some online resources. When budgets allow, they are giving students internet-equipped tablets and computers so they can get online and learn.One way rural districts are helping their students learn is by driving Wi-Fi-enabled school buses to low-income neighborhoods. Also, some districts have partnered with internet service providers to provide access.In New York City, the Citizens’ Committee for Children is providing regional enrichment centers for students who are homeless or living in temporary housing.&nbsp;Until we get equality in education, we won't have an equal society.&nbsp;— Sonia SotomayorAssociate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States<h3>Ways to Reduce the Education Gap&nbsp;</h3>If communities and governments want to ensure their low-income and rural students continue their education, they must take steps to address this divide. Distributing paper learning materials and offering supportive staff helps. Other steps include changing the coursework and goals plus encouraging parents to spend more time helping their children learn. Sharing equipment sitting unused in classrooms also helps.Providing music, sports and other after-school programs are other ways rural communities can help their students learn.Communities that realize the importance of coming together during the pandemic and sharing their skills, knowledge, equipment and other resources will help all of their children gain an education.Governments and educators can use information and techniques gathered during the pandemic to help low-income and rural students learn.<h3>References:</h3>https://www.vox.com/2020/4/9/21200159/coronavirus-school-digital-low-income-students-covid-new-yorkhttps://theconversation.com/schools-are-moving-online-but-not-all-children-start-out-digitally-equal-134650https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/03/16/coronavirus-school-cancellations-online-learning-affordable-covid-19/5054426002/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/us/coronavirus-schools-attendance-absent.html

Online learning highlights educational issues for students in low-income families and those living in rural areas.

Discover new learning experiences

E-Learning creating education gaps