Digital Equity and Inclusion
Digital Equity and Inclusion affords access and addresses barriers to digital technologies, giving opportunities to all stakeholders to participate fully in the digital world. It ensures that everyone has access to technology and the skills to use it effectively. This means creating opportunities for all students to participate in the digital world.
Family Activity: Building a Bridge to the Digital World
Materials:
- Construction paper (different colors)
- Scissors
- Tape
- Markers or crayons
Instructions:
- Introduction: Briefly explain to your child what digital equity and inclusion means. Use the definition: "Digital equity and inclusion is affording access and addressing barriers to digital technologies, giving opportunities to all stakeholders to participate fully in the digital world." For younger children, Digital Equity and Inclusion is making sure everyone has the things they need to play, learn and connect with others in the digital world.”
- Building the Bridge:
- Cut out a large rectangle from one color of paper to represent the "digital world."
- Cut out smaller rectangles from another color of paper to represent people who might have difficulty accessing the digital world. Ask, “Who might have difficulty accessing the digital world?” (e.g., someone without internet access, someone with a disability that makes computers difficult to use).
- Discuss the barriers these individuals might face (e.g., cost, lack of infrastructure, physical limitations).
- Building Solutions:
- Brainstorm ways to help people overcome these barriers.
- Cut out smaller strips of different colors of paper to represent solutions (e.g., community technology centers, affordable internet plans, assistive technology).
- Use tape to connect the "people" cutouts to the "digital world" using the solution strips. Explain how each solution helps bridge the gap.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it important for everyone to have access to technology and the Internet?
- What are some of the barriers people might face when trying to access the digital world?
- How can the solutions we came up with help bridge the digital divide?
- What are some ways we can contribute to a more inclusive digital world?
Extension Activities:
- Research a specific program or organization that works on digital equity and inclusion. Learn about their work and how they help people overcome barriers.
- If you have old devices in good condition, consider donating them to a technology donation program.
- Create a poster promoting digital equity and inclusion with the family.
Remember: Keep the conversation age-appropriate and positive. Focus on the importance of inclusion and the power of collaboration to create a more connected digital world for everyone.