Author: Katie McNeil
Date published: October 23, 2024
Learning is no longer limited to pen and paper. However, while internet-enabled technologies like mobile devices and school computers are nearly universal in education, there remain areas where reliable internet is not readily available to every student, especially when they leave the classroom and look to work on projects from home.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nearly 17 million children lack home internet access. Addressing this "homework gap" through technology is essential for ensuring that all students—regardless of socioeconomic background—have equal academic opportunities.
The homework gap is a digital inequality that impacts students—typically from disadvantaged or rural households—who lack the internet access they need to complete their homework. This disparity can lead to lower academic performance and diminished digital literacy, which in today's digital economy could also limit future opportunities as students grow into adulthood.
An estimated 70% of teachers assign homework that requires internet access. But roughly 22% of low-income households with children do not have internet access, according to a report from Connected Nation. To keep up with schoolwork, many students have to get creative, completing homework through public Wi-Fi hotspot or their mobile devices (about 4% of students can only access the internet through a smartphone. Still some students may struggle to find reliable public Wi-Fi, and not all students have mobile devices.
Regardless of how (or if) these students complete their assignments, the impact is clear—students from low-income households spend significantly less time on homework than their more advantaged peers. The consequence? Lower academic achievement, as some studies have found. Ultimately, this limited access to education has the potential to translate into limited access to economic advancement.
The pandemic was a catalyst for expanding student access to the internet and connected devices, largely thanks to federal funding. In fact, 92% of surveyed districts say they used Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief dollars to buy educational technology. The National Center for Education Statistics conducts an annual study on the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 schools. As of the 2023-24 school year, this School Pulse Panel shows that:
Unfortunately, the pandemic-era funding that enabled this proliferation of devices and connectivity has largely dried up.
The homework gap primarily results from a lack of access to devices and reliable internet; bridging the gap will require significant efforts to expand access. The following solutions can continue the progress made in remote learning over the past five years, and help alleviate the digital divide in schools overall.
The foundation of digital inclusivity is equitable access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and reliable high-speed internet. While nearly all schools provide students with connected devices, they need to ensure these devices can connect not only at school but also at home. Partnerships with technology companies and internet service providers can help secure affordable or subsidized internet plans for low-income families. Although ECF funding has ended, the FCC is considering a proposal to continue Wi-Fi hot spot funding under an existing E-rate program, which already provides discounted broadband service for schools and libraries. The proposal would allow schools and libraries to lend hotspots to families in need to be used off-campus.
Many students rely on libraries and other community centers for internet access. When "homework" becomes "out-of-school work," the need for reliable broadband internet across a community becomes critical. The Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition promotes investment in high-quality broadband at community anchor institutions (CAIs), such as schools and libraries. The coalition calls for extending affordable broadband services beyond the CAIs four walls by transmitting low-cost or free wireless signals to surrounding homes and businesses.
Government and private sector investments in expanding broadband infrastructure can ensure that high-speed internet access becomes universally available, particularly in rural and underserved areas where the homework gap is most pronounced. Technologies like fixed wireless access, also known as wireless business internet, can reduce connectivity disparities in rural areas and support digital learning for all students. Powered by 4G LTE or 5G technology, fixed wireless access uses radio frequencies to wirelessly connect schools and businesses to high-speed broadband. As it doesn't need installation of fiber or cables for last-mile connectivity, it is a cost-effective solution for expanding internet access in rural areas.
The homework gap presents a significant challenge to educational equity, but technology offers powerful solutions to bridge this divide. Providing connected devices, ensuring reliable internet access and building better infrastructure ensures all students have equal access to learning, regardless of socioeconomic status or location.
Continued collaboration between schools, government agencies, non-profit organizations and the private sector will be essential to alleviating this digital divide in schools and leveling the playing field for all students.
The effects of digital disconnection are lifelong. Luckily, technological advancements can help meet the challenge. Verizon is committed to digital inclusion in education.
Learn more about education solutions that can help level the digital playing field.
The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.