Access to the Digital Community

The most important tool in the quest for e-learning opportunities is, of course, your ability to connect to the internet and the data you need to be successful!  

Unfortunately, this is not always as easy as it may sound.  

For example, some download and upload speeds can very greatly.  Take a look at the image above.  That speed could certainly be better, couldn't it?  Compared to dial up, which some people still utilize even today, these numbers would be considered lightning fast.  

My county ranks 46th in the state of Georgia for average internet speed according to www.broadbandmap.gov and seen in the image below.  Considering we are a pretty rural community, I think 99.9% is pretty good, even if that puts us in 46th place. 

What types of barriers might impede students’ opportunities to access digital learning?

Students may certainly face digital learning barriers.  They may not have access to a computer at home or might only have dial up internet capability, if any at all.  If they are taking a Georgia Virtual School class on their traditional school campus, they may have limited access to a computer on the property.  They may also have monetary limitations in their ability to print out documents they need to utilize or may not have a printer even available for use.  

What might we do to eliminate such barriers?

When planning curriculum, be sure to note the capability of the target user and work with their unique capabilities.  Utilize more neutral document and chart preparation (such as .rtf and Google platform preparations) so costly software does not make obtaining needed information cost prohibitive.  Attempt to connect each student with the tools they need to be successful in the digital platform, whether making sure the public library has available computers available or connecting them with other community resources.