The digital divide is a term used to describe the gap between people who have access to digital technologies and those who don’t. It’s often used to refer to the divide between some rural and urban areas, as there are areas in the country that don’t have access to internet for one reason or another.
It’s an especially apparent issue for many students in areas without internet access, as they don’t have the same access for completing homework and assignments outside of school. One study conducted in Oklahoma demonstrated that 16% of students didn’t have the computer access necessary to complete school assignments.
This digital divide has been a continual problem that is still awaiting a sufficient solution for it to be resolved. We’ll discuss more about the issues and how ANC Group is responding in North and South Carolina and Georgia to reduce the impact of the digital divide on students in that area.
How North and South Carolina and Georgia Students are Affected by Lack of Technology Resources
Students are greatly affected by the digital divide as it leads to a significant disadvantage for them in terms of their education. Students with access to technology have a greater opportunity to take advantage of resources that can help them succeed, leaving those without this opportunity isolated and at a great disadvantage.
Homework Gap
The homework gap is a branch of the digital divide specifically referring to students who have access to digital technologies outside of school for completing homework and assignments and those who don’t. This gap is often due to a lack of internet access in certain rural and low-income areas across the United States.
As a result, students in these areas are at a disadvantage when it comes to completing their homework and keeping up with their classmates. This can lead to them falling behind in their studies, and in worst-case scenarios, eventually dropping out of school altogether.
An estimated 22% of teenagers across the country reported that they had to complete their homework on a mobile device, as they didn’t have access to a computer or internet service.
ANC Group’s Response to Support Students
The continuing problems caused by the digital divide and homework gap have not gone unnoticed. ANC Group has been developing resources that will assist students dealing with these disadvantages. One of the resources they provide is Cradlepoint Wifi devices.
ANC Group is implementing the use of Cradlepoint Wifi devices on busses for schools in North and South Carolina and Georgia to enable connectivity to students who utilize the bus for transportation to and from school. Now that schools are back in session, these devices allow students who otherwise wouldn’t have internet access outside of school to work on assignments on their commute . During the pandemic, Greenville County Schools, for example, drove the Cradlepoint-equipped school busses to disadvantaged areas so students could use the internet in their own neighborhoods. Having that resource in place in case there is another shutdown is a highly recommended best practice.
We also assist schools who may have technology budget or personnel constraints by providing them with IT support and the tools they need to be successful so that they, in turn, can focus on supporting their students efficiently.
How ANC Group Supports the Education Sector Partner with ANC Group for School Support Today
The digital divide can have a significant impact on students’ education, but ANC Group is working to help reduce this impact by providing resources and support so every student can have an equal opportunity to access technology and increase learning quality.
If you’re a school in North or South Carolina or Georgia who needs assistance with technology, reach out to us today so we can perform a free evaluation of your systems and get you the resources and support you need.
