Digital Equity

All guides, papers, evidence-based tools, webinars and videos curated by TransformEd, which ceased operations in June, have gone to another education nonprofit that shares its vision for inclusiveness and equity.

Plus, Oklahoma has launched a new interactive map to track Internet service in the state, Maine has submitted a new broadband plan to the federal government, and more.

Experts argue that agencies having staff dedicated to equity and inclusion play an important role for government work, from strategic planning, to operations, to the rise of digital government services.

This week, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown announced $162.5 million in federal funding for high-speed Internet infrastructure and community and workforce development projects. The money comes from the American Rescue Plan's Capital Projects Fund.

Officials are asking residents to answer a survey about access to broadband Internet. Information collected will help identify areas where infrastructure does not exist or where service does not meet the minimum speed standards.

Plus, more than 20 million households have now enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program; Sen. Warnock urges the FCC to fight digital discrimination; a bipartisan group in the U.S. House requests ACP extension; and more.

During a National Digital Inclusion Alliance webinar last week, experts explored several key tools and dashboards that help make data on the Affordable Connectivity Program more accessible to drive action.

A new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation calls on Congress to take several actions to support digital equity, including sustaining funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Plus, a cross-agency partnership in New Jersey is working to get more residents enrolled in affordable broadband programs, North Carolina is looking for participation in digital equity services, and more.

Thanks to years of updates, tools such as Power Point, Microsoft 365’s Present Live, Microsoft Immersive Reader and Google Translate have almost negated the need for extra teachers for English-language learners.

Plus, new research shows that broadband subsidy programs are helping to deliver affordable Internet; New York City continues to expand its Big Apple Connect program; a look at the Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0; and more.

The Cumberland County Commission committed $3 million to provide local matching funds for state broadband expansion grants. That money will be split between two Internet service providers.

With a mission to help future first-generation college students, the nonprofit AVID is giving member schools access to Packback’s AI-enabled writing tool, because writing can be a gateway to more advanced coursework.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has expanded access to a virtual learning platform for those in the state’s correctional facilities to improve the re-entry process and reduce recidivism.

While larger city residents may take for granted the access to high-speed fiber Internet, other residents of rural towns and villages in South Louisiana have long been faced with outdated and overpriced Internet.

Plus, the Biden administration works to make it easier for people with disabilities to access public services online; the FCC rolls out more Emergency Connectivity funding for schools; and more.

Today, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order to establish a chief IT accessibility officer role to improve the accessibility of the state’s digital services for people with disabilities.

According to a new report from UNESCO, "Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms," it will take more than money to bridge the digital divide, and more than technology to solve the problems of contemporary education.