Internet+Access+Off-Campus

Although schools may provide an iPad to their students, many low-income students will not be able to use the device because of a lack of internet access at home. Many students live in low-income areas with a limited number of computers at the local library and without any internet cafés nearby. Below is a video that describes the digital divide in Philadelphia. According to the video, approximately 25% of the US population lacks internet access at home. (The Real News, 2011) media type="youtube" key="urxttLINFVk" height="251" width="448" align="center"

Students that do not have internet access at home or in their community cannot learn at the same pace as those with internet access- they don’t have all of the tools. Cities can go very little to subsidize the internet for low-income families without getting sued by private companies, as shown in the video. (The Real News, 2011) So, what are schools to do?

 Schools can apply for government grants to expand the home internet access. For example. Innovations Middle School in San Diego, California received a one million dollar grant from the Federal Communications Commission to outfit each mobile device with 3G wireless internet, similar to cell phones so that students can work from school or home. (Magee, 2011) The FCC sponsored grant, “Learning on the Go” is attempting to narrow the digital divide.

If schools are unable to receive a grant, schools can open early or close late so that students can work within the school building (and run later buses to take students home). If that is not an option, teachers will need to modify assignment and the curriculum so that students can complete their projects during the school day.

Please continue to our next page, Monitoring Students