Critical Issue Analysis POLS 5025 (2)

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Feb 20, 2024

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Critical Analysis Sierra M. Lovell University of Louisiana at Monroe POLS 5025: Leadership Theory Dr. Frances Hester December 3, 2023

A critical issue within education that warrants further discussion is the digital divide. I am referring to the gap between those individuals who have access to and proficiency with digital technologies and those who are less fortunate and do not. It encompasses not only access to hardware like computers and the internet but also the skills and knowledge needed to effectively use these tools. The digital divide is a multifaceted issue that needs to be addressed. However, addressing this issue involves a comprehensive approach. Access disparities, educational equity, skill development, and the impact of COVID-19 are some of the issues that the digital divide faces. There are many students who lack access to reliable internet connections or suitable devices at home which affects their ability to complete online assignments or access educational resources outside of school. In rural areas, students from low-income families are disproportionately affected. Access alone is not enough to solve this problem either. Students need digital literacy skills to thrive in the modern world where technology has expanded. Lastly, the pandemic highlighted and widened the gap as schools shifted to remote learning, but students without adequate resources faced huge challenges trying to keep up. As stated earlier, addressing this problem involves a comprehensive approach and a need to look at different perspectives and positions on this issue. Infrastructure improvements, education initiatives, equitable policies, and community partnerships are some ways this issue can be explored more. Ensuring widespread access to reliable internet and devices, especially in underserved communities, will help with the disparities of access. Implementing programs to enhance digital literacy skills for both students and educators can give both an advantage by being exposed to diverse types of technology. Developing policies that prioritize bridging the digital gap and provide support to those who are affected most. Lastly, community participation such as collaborating with private and public entities to create solutions that can reach all demographics can help close the digital gap.

The issue of the digital divide not only impacts education but also social and economic opportunities for future generations. Tackling the digital divide is crucial for fostering a more equitable educational landscape and preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world. The digital divide emerged as a critical issue as technology integration started becoming more prevalent in schools and educational institutions. Its roots are unequal access to technology, rapid technological advancements, home connectivity, educational policies, funding and rural vs. Urban disparities. As technology became a fundamental part of education, not all schools and students had equal access to computers, the internet, or other digital resources. This disparity was often based on economic factors, with wealthier schools or districts having better resources. The pace at which technology evolves often creates disparities. Schools that could afford regular updates and upgrades to technology have an advantage over those with limited budgets, resulting in an increasing gap. As schools increasingly relied on digital resources for assignments and learning, students without internet access or computers at home faced challenges completing their homework or accessing supplemental materials, which created disparities in their learning outcomes. Educational policies and funding allocation caries across regions and districts which plays a significant role. Some areas prioritize technology integration in schools, while others struggled due to budget constraints. Rural areas faced unique challenges due to a lack of infrastructure, making access to high-speed internet and updates technology more difficult compared to urban or suburban areas. Initially, the divide might have been more evident in terms of access to hardware and internet connectivity. However, as technology became integral to the learning process and as society progressed into an increasingly digital age, the divide expanded to include disparities in digital literacy and the ability to leverage technology for learning and future opportunities. The emergence of the digital divide

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within education highlighted the need for equitable access to technology and digital resources to ensure all students had the same opportunities for learning and skill development. Current literature on the digital divide in education continues to explore various dimensions of the complex issue. Some of the key points in recent research are the persistent disparities, the impact on learning outcomes, shift to remote learning environments, and complexity to the divide, equity and policy implications, digital literacy, and skills, and community engagement. Current literature underscores the urgency of addressing the digital divide in education. It is crucial that all students have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary for success in a digital age. The focus extends beyond access to technology to encompass the broader issues related to digital skills, equitable policies, and community involvement. Despite the efforts to bridge the gap, disparities in access to technology and the internet persist, particularly among marginalized and low-income communities. Research emphasizes that these disparities have far reaching implications for educational equity. The studies consistently demonstrate that access to technology positively correlates with improved learning outcomes. Students with access to digital resources tend to perform better academically, underscoring the importance of closing the digital divide. During times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus on the digital divide significantly intensified as the schools globally shifted to remote learning. The studies highlight how disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity affected students’ ability to engage in online learning. Scholars stress the need for targeted policies and interventions to address the digital divide comprehensively. This includes infrastructure improvements, equitable distribution of resources, digital skills training for educators and students, and collaborations among government, education institutions, and private sectors. Literature highlights the importance of access to technology and the development of digital literacy skills. Lastly, recent studies emphasize the role of community engagement and

partnerships when addressing the digital divide. Collaboration between schools, local organizations, and businesses can help provide resources, support, and training necessary to bridge the gap. Some of the common points of view when considering the different perspectives on this issue each bring valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the digital divide. Some emphasize the importance of providing equal access to technology and the internet as the primary solution. This view contends that ensuring everyone has the necessary hardware and connectivity is fundamental to closing the divide. This view often advocates for policies and initiatives that focus on providing devices and improving infrastructure in underserved areas. Another perspective emphasizes that access alone is not sufficient. This view also argues the importance of having digital literacy and skill development. It argues that just providing technology does not guarantee its effective use for learning. Hence, there being a need for educational programs to instruct students and educators. Some people argue that the digital divide is a symptom of deeper systemic issues related to socioeconomic disparities, racial inequality, and geographic isolation. This view suggests that addressing the digital divide requires broader social and economic reforms to tackle the underlying inequalities. Another viewpoint is the perspective that focuses on the role of governments, policymakers, and educational institutions in addressing the digital divide. It emphasizes the need for targeted policies, funding allocation, and strategic planning to ensure equitable access to technology. Lastly, this viewpoint stresses the importance of community engagement and collaboration among stakeholders. It advocates for partnerships between schools, local communities, businesses, and nonprofits to address the digital divide collectively. Combining these perspectives can lead to a more integrated approach in tackling this issue, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive strategy to bridge the gap. Empirical research offers substantial evidence supporting the existence and complications of the digital divide. Although it does now conclusively advocate for a singular stance or solution, it provides

the importance for the need of a comprehensive and context-specific approaches. The research offers the need for ongoing research and different strategies to bridge the divide effectively. Personally, I believe that each of the perspectives above offers valuable insight on addressing the issue and bridging the gap between the digital divides. While it is important for all students to have access to computers and internet connectivity, it is just as important for students and educators to have proper training and knowledge regarding the technology they are working with. While government does play a huge role in addressing the issue, I advocate for partnerships between schools and the local community. Collaboration is essential for identifying local needs and tailoring solutions to specific communities. Bridging the gap between the digital divide in education involves many fiscal costs, but also brings numerous benefits that outweigh the initial investments. The first being infrastructure investments. Upgrading or establishing infrastructure for internet connectivity in underserved areas requires a significant investment. This includes laying down broadband networks, providing Wi-Fi access in schools, and ensuring reliable connectivity for students’ homes. Devices like laptops, tablets, or other technological devices will need to be provided to students who lack access would also involve a considerable upfront cost. This expense covers the purchase of devices, software, maintenance, and potential upgrades. Training and support would be another cost to consider. Educators and staff need training to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum. Professional development programs and technical support services will incur ongoing costs. Developing or procuring digital educational resources, online textbooks, software licenses, and learning platforms require a financial investment as well. The benefits outweigh the costs. Closing the digital divide leads to better access to information, improved engagement, and enhanced learning experiences. Studies suggest that improved access to

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technology positively impacts academic achievement. Providing technology access and education fosters digital literacy and proficiency, preparing students for future careers in a tech-driven world. Bridging the divide helps in leveling the playing field, reducing disparities in educational outcomes among different socio-economic groups. Equipping students with digital skills can lead to increased employment opportunities and productivity. This could potentially reduce societal costs related to unemployment. Access to technology fosters innovation and creativity among students, potentially leading to future advancements in various fields. Investing in education and technology now may lead to long-term societal benefits. Investments in education and technology are seen as crucial for societal development, economic growth, and ensuring a skilled workforce. Bridging the digital divide within education involves complex organizational management and community relations, displaying leadership skills in developing school-based management and fostering school-community partnerships. To do so requires strategic planning and resource allocation. Effective leaders develop strategic plans or integrating technology into education. They allocate resources judiciously, considering the needs of the school, available budgets, and technology. Establishing systems for managing technology resources within schools involves leadership decision-making, maintenance, and distribution of devices and infrastructure. Another requirement from the leader is engagement and collaboration. Building partnerships with community stakeholders, such as local businesses, government entities, and non-profit organizations, requires effective communication and relationship-building skills. As a leader with a good servant leadership style, this is particularly important to me. This good rapport with collaborators can secure funding, donations, and expertise to bridge the digital gap. I would be effective in engaging the community in initiatives that support educational technology. This might involve organizing workshops, fundraising events, or volunteer programs to support the technology integration in schools.

I would advocate for policies and implementation. Policies that support equitable access to technology in education are needed. So is collaborating with the policymakers to advocate for funding and policy changes. Effective leadership in these areas demonstrates a commitment to leveraging resources, fostering collaborations, advocating for change, and implementing strategies that not only bridge the digital divide but also strengthen school-community relationships and enhance educational outcomes. As a servant style leader that embodies characteristics of a supportive style, and relationship behavior style of leadership, my position is well supported. It is important for me to be more relational with my followers. It is crucial to make those authentic human connections with everyone I work with. Therefore, helping bridge the digital divide by ensuring access to training and support to everyone is how I would like to give back to my community. I would like to serve as a leader and by taking the initial investments into this issue, the long-term benefits far outweigh the current costs.

Critical Issue Analysis POLS 5025 (2)

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