Tackling the digital divide

The digital divide in our country is growing.

The shift toward at-home work, learning and telemedicine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened an already worrying gap between those with and those without access to reliable broadband. Without a reliable internet connection, individuals may struggle to access schoolwork, job listings, unemployment benefits or video conferencing to stay connected during a time of social isolation.

For some, it’s because of cost. Among Americans without broadband are those who simply cannot afford the monthly bill for service. As the pandemic has worsened, and more than 40 million Americans have become unemployed, household budgets for many have become tighter than ever.

For others, it’s about where they live. According to the Quello Center, only 47% of students who live in rural areas have high-speed internet access, compared to 77% of those in suburban areas. Before the pandemic, public spaces provided reliable digital access for those who do not have access in their own homes. Since many of these locations have been shut down in attempts to limit the transmission of the virus, the reality is that 21 million Americans lack access to fixed broadband service.

This is an issue with a broad range of causes, from socioeconomic gaps to lack of infrastructure, with equally large and far-reaching consequences.

A study from Indiana University showed that students on the wrong side of the digital divide often lack computer skills, and the students who most need technical assistance often don’t seek it.

Affluent students experiencing computer problems were more likely to ask instructors for help or extended deadlines than low-income students.

Universities in particular find themselves in a difficult position as they move to online-only learning platforms. Many brick-and-mortar universities are struggling to adapt to the online platforms, while simultaneously finding ways to support students without internet access. Some students who do not have access to internet are left with no choice but to pause their degree programs until they can return to campus, putting them further behind their peers.

Western Governors University (WGU) was built to be an online, nonprofit university 20 years ago, and since then, we’ve worked hard to find solutions that help students overcome educational barriers, in both the short and long terms.

As we heard from our students about the challenges they were facing this year, WGU developed what we called the Online Access Scholarship. Essentially a grant, the scholarship helps those on the wrong side of the digital divide by covering the cost of installing and accessing internet for students who might not otherwise be able to get online.

We had to be flexible and find creative solutions to help our students this year. We know it’s a short-term solution to a longterm problem, but it’s going to take this kind of innovation from business leaders, government and educators alike to truly tackle this growing digital divide.