At Lumen Touch, we have always been excited about the future of education and how education can evolve by taking advantage of new technologies. With the steady development of edtech, equity in schools becomes a key factor in providing a modern education. And with so much information at the fingertips of today’s students as a result of edtech, it’s no wonder that they balk at the idea of a traditional classroom education in which they’re forced to memorize information they may never need to use.

Let’s Start with the Basics: What Do We Mean by Equity in Schools?

Equity means removing any foreseeable barriers that would prevent a student from achieving academic success. So, let’s say a school gives devices to every student. That’s equality, but it’s not equity. If 20% of those students don’t have access to or can’t afford Wi-Fi, then they are unable to use those devices outside of the classroom. That’s not equitable.

As National University explains:

While equality is important, it doesn’t ensure all students have the same chance of success. For example, some students might need special accommodations due to having a disability, living in a home without internet access, or speaking English as their second language.

EdTech Is Transforming Education

Today’s students need to develop basic programming skills more than they need to know how to write in cursive or learn long division. Students need to be able to think critically and question the status quo. They need to develop soft skills and social emotional skills that will help them successfully navigate a constantly evolving world. Edtech innovations are helping to introduce students to these necessary skills – but inequity in education remains a serious barrier.

The U.S. Department of Education has identified three areas where equity needs to be addressed:

The Digital Use Divide, addressing opportunities to improve how students use technology to enhance their learning, including dynamic applications of technology to explore, create, and engage in critical analysis of academic content and knowledge;

The Digital Design Divide, addressing opportunities for educators to expand their professional learning and build the capacities necessary to design learning experiences enabled by technology; and

The Digital Access Divide, addressing opportunities for students and educators to gain equitable access to educational technology, including connectivity, devices, and digital content. This also includes accessibility and digital health, safety, and citizenship as key elements of digital access.

Equity in Education Drives Career Readiness

Schools, communities, and organizations must come together to ensure equity in education. In doing so, they open doors to more opportunity for every student. Creating a culture of equity in K-12 schools starts by addressing the barriers facing students – from special needs accommodations to technology access.

At Lumen Touch, we are committed to leveling the playing field. We believe that in order for education to serve our communities, the issue of equity must be addressed. Not only should devices be made available to every student and broadband be accessible in every home, we must also address digital competency.

Lumen Touch is at the innovative forefront of developing technology that truly benefits teachers, students, and school districts. We have been providing our integrated all-in-one management technology to school districts for more than two decades. To learn more about our solution, get in touch.