I teach at a small private school in Liberty County. I was not surprised to learn the download speed is 2.19 Mbps and the upload speed is 0.21 Mbps, below what Century Link advertises. Earlier in the week our network was down, an occurrence that happens at least once a month and last semester it was down for an entire week, preventing my yearbook staff the ability to design pages. However, Liberty County is ranked #34, higher than I expected because the internet goes out at least once a week at my and the public school system endures network failures on a regular basis because every student enrolled was provided with an iPad thanks to a grant the county was awarded with last year.
After viewing the broadband map of the United States it is obvious that the greatest internet accessibility is in the northeast region where the population density is the heaviest. According to a recent survey a person's education (less than a high school diploma), income (less than $30,000/year), and age (65+) is a factor in their access to the internet. Most choose not to have internet because of the cost of the equipment (computer) and the monthly internet subscription fee. Senior citizens have been able to live life without the internet, therefore, they do not feel the need to join the world wide web.
What types of barriers might impede students' opportunities to access digital learning?
After viewing the broadband map of the United States it is obvious that the greatest internet accessibility is in the northeast region where the population density is the heaviest. According to a recent survey a person's education (less than a high school diploma), income (less than $30,000/year), and age (65+) is a factor in their access to the internet. Most choose not to have internet because of the cost of the equipment (computer) and the monthly internet subscription fee. Senior citizens have been able to live life without the internet, therefore, they do not feel the need to join the world wide web.
What types of barriers might impede students' opportunities to access digital learning?
What might we do to eliminate such barriers?
The iPad grant provided a device for every student to use for learning, however, if the student goes home to no broadband, then the student will not be able to complete assignments. Our county only has two public libraries and only one is within walking distance of residential area. To allow students the ability to use the internet on the weekends schools could open their doors for weekend study hall for a three hour time frame on Saturday and Sunday. A bus would be needed to transport the students for those who do not have an available ride from a family member or friend. Teachers can schedule a time one day every week for students to stay and work on assignments that require the internet. These are not perfect solutions but it is a start.
The iPad grant provided a device for every student to use for learning, however, if the student goes home to no broadband, then the student will not be able to complete assignments. Our county only has two public libraries and only one is within walking distance of residential area. To allow students the ability to use the internet on the weekends schools could open their doors for weekend study hall for a three hour time frame on Saturday and Sunday. A bus would be needed to transport the students for those who do not have an available ride from a family member or friend. Teachers can schedule a time one day every week for students to stay and work on assignments that require the internet. These are not perfect solutions but it is a start.