What is Digital Equity?
"a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed
for full participation in our society, democracy and economy.
Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services."
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)
"Digital Equity requires removing all key digital divide barriers to educational and economic opportunity."
The National Collaborative for Digital Equity (NCDE)
What is the Digital Divide?
The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to technology, the internet and digital literacy training
and those who do not.
" 'The Digital Divide' refers to the growing gap between the underprivileged members of society, especially the poor, rural, elderly, and handicapped portion of the population who do not have access to computers or the the Internet: and the wealthy, middle-class, and young Americans living in urban and suburban areas who have access." Stanford University
Obstacles to Closing the Digital Divide include:
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Closing the Digital Divide requires:
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Broadband Adoption requires DAILY access to the Internet:
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"Without the internet all of us suffer. The digital divide also impacts children's ability to learn and grow in low-income school districts. Without Internet access, students are unable to cultivate necessary tech skills in order to understand today's dynamic economy. Their parents cannot get a job, the families cannot access medical services, complete the U.S. Census online, receive COVID-19 financial relief, and obtain any information in a timely manner that allows one to make better choices as they can be better informed."
John DiRuggiero, New Mexico - GIS Director, Community Learning Network |
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Closing the Digital Divide in Border Communities
This video was created as part of a training program hosted by the Equity in Policy Institute out of the UNM TREE Center. This video was one of six community partnership teams in New Mexico, each of which learned how to make a digital story and policy brief on different topics. This video story is about the digital divide in a border community. The policy focus underscores the idea that access to the internet, and the knowledge to use it, should not be defined by where you live and who you are. The team that helped make this video hopes it will be useful in statewide Digital Equity and Inclusion initiatives. This video was made with thanks to many including:
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What is Digital Inclusion?
Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs)
"Digital inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use of technology."
What are the Five Elements of Digital Inclusion?
from the The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)
Building Digital Equity in New Mexico Requires:
- Affordable, robust broadband internet service
- Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user
- Access to digital literacy training and digital skills development
- Quality technical support
- Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration, as well as cultural relevancy
Steps to Building Digital Equity:
Affordable Service and low-cost offers
Many areas have discount offer programs to offer discounted or low-cost internet plans for qualifying low-income households. They just are not well advertised or not advertised at all.
"A 2019 klahoma State University study found that only 20% of respondents said they were likely to purchase internet if it were $50 or more per month, while 74% indicated they would purchase it if it were $10 per month. "
Free Public Wi-Fi Access Locations
Many communities and vendors offer Wi-Fi access locations for public use.
Visit www.nmhotspots.com to find a nearby free public Wifi Access location.
Devices
Many households in New Mexico do not have access to a meaningful device.
For some New Mexicans, a smartphone is the only “computer” that they have,
and a smartphone or Chromebook are less efficient and less capable than a computer or tablet with a keyboard for completing homework or job applications, recording and analyzing data or any number of other tasks.
Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse
Digital Equity Mandate
"All citizens in New Mexico have access to the technologies, digital skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in today’s society."
Digital Equity Task Force
New Mexico is in the process of developing a group of community leaders and digital equity advocates to work collectively on digital inclusion initiatives and
includes state and local government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, schools, regional coalitions and individuals working to close the digital divide.
Homework Gap Team - Visit the New Mexico Homework Gap Team to learn more
The Homework Gap is the gulf that exists between students and families that have access to computers and the internet and those who don’t. It is part of the digital divide and can affect a student’s ability to:
The Homework Gap is the gulf that exists between students and families that have access to computers and the internet and those who don’t. It is part of the digital divide and can affect a student’s ability to:
- Complete homework
- Be academically successful
- Build the foundation for a successful career
- Take advantage of economic opportunities
According to the national Pew Research Center
- 15% of households with school-aged children do not have high-speed internet access at home.
- 17% of teens say they have trouble completing their homework because of lack of internet access.
- The numbers are even higher when it comes to minorities and low-income families.
- One in every four low-income teens do not have access to a laptop or desktop computer at home.
Digital Equity and Legislation in New Mexico
Digital Equity Act of 2021 - under consideration by Congress
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The Digital Equity Act of 2021 strengthens federal support for efforts to help ensure students, families, and workers have the information technology capacity needed to fully participate in society by establishing two grant programs to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to promote digital equity nationwide:
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US Cities with the Fastest and Slowest Internet Speeds Report
from TechRepublic by N.F. Mendoza in Mobility on November 12, 2019 |
Cities with the slowest average internet speeds:
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Common Sense Media and Boston Consulting Group
state-by-state report on the digital divide for America's k-12 students, finding that the divide is much larger than previously estimated and that is affects our nation's teachers, too! Reports
Full Report Infographic Press Release News Coverage: USA Today, NBC's The Today Show, and Politico |
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