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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Nationally, the pandemic brought the inequitable access for high-speed internet across student populations at our Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) to the forefront. Pew research from 2024 reports that a third of families making less than $30,000 have broadband internet access at home.1

    Institutions should ensure they have strategies and resources in place to assess if learners have access to broadband internet, the equipment they need, and the level of digital literacy necessary to participate in their educational programs.

    Thinking strategically about Digital Equity

    • Are students learning digital literacy and basic digital skills training?
    • Do all students have devices needed to complete their work?
    • Do students have access on and off campus to appropriate internet connectivity?

    Resources for Digital Access

    PA Broadband Development Authority

    Established in 2021 at the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development (DCED) The PA Broadband Development Authority was tasked with developing a statewide broadband plan through a cross-agency workgroup.

    Resources for Digital Literacy

    Preparing Students for a Tech-Savy Future

    This introduction from the University of Iowa Education Department provides an educator’s perspective on the importance and pedagogy of teaching digital skills.

    Digital Literacy in Higher Education

    A starter from IEEE, a leading international technology standards organization, on the benefits and needs of teaching digital literacy in higher education.

    1 Demographics of Internet and Home Broadband Usage in the United States