Guidelines and tools for promoting digital equity
Information and Learning Sciences
ISSN: 2398-5348
Article publication date: 15 June 2020
Issue publication date: 27 July 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a targeted overview of relevant digital equity gap literature that serves to contextualize the current crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this review of the literature, the author introduces five guidelines that educators can use to guide their decisions about how to adapt to remote learning. It concludes with an overview and full text of two tools educators and researchers can use to better understand the challenges faced by students: the Digital Equity Gap Interview Protocol and the Digital Equity Gap Survey Instrument.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper is grounded on the theoretical framework of Martha Nussbaum's “Capability Approach,” which outlines core human capabilities that (if fostered) enable individuals to generate valuable outcomes for themselves.
Findings
It is suggested that it is important to attend to human capabilities when addressing digital equity gaps exacerbated by the pandemic. The author provides two tools that are intended to help individuals gather important information about the communities they serve and/or study.
Research limitations/implications
Both tools provide descriptive information that will contextualize digital equity gaps, should they be present.
Practical implications
This paper provides concrete tools for educators who wish to understand digital equity gaps within the communities they serve.
Social implications
In time of unprecedented distance learning, it is important for both K-12 educators and higher education instructors to understand the technological capabilities of their students. The Digital Equity Gap Interview Protocol and the Digital Equity Gap Survey Instrument give them a place to start.
Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to study and address digital equity gaps.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This article is part of the special issue, “A Response to Emergency Transitions to Remote Online Education in K-12 and Higher Education” which contains shorter, rapid-turnaround invited works, not subject to double blind peer review. The issue was called, managed and produced on short timeline in Summer 2020 toward pragmatic instructional application in the Fall 2020 semester.
Citation
Aguilar, S.J. (2020), "Guidelines and tools for promoting digital equity", Information and Learning Sciences, Vol. 121 No. 5/6, pp. 285-299. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-04-2020-0084
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited