Report: Closing the K–12 Digital Divide in the Age of Distance Learning

A new report by Common Sense and Boston Consulting Group—Closing the K–12 Digital Divide in the Age of Distance Learning—examines the digital divide for America’s K-12 public school students and teachers, finding that the ”homework gap” is larger than previously estimated.

According to the report, approximately 30% of all public K-12 students live in households either without an internet connection or device adequate for distance learning at home. This analysis identifies students lacking baseline technology requirements for distance learning, including reliable high-speed internet, sufficient data plans, and a computer, laptop or tablet device. The cost of closing the digital divide for students is at least $6 billion, and would cost an additional $1 billion to close the divide for teachers.  

While sobering, Closing the K–12 Digital Divide in the Age of Distance Learning is an opportunity to rethink how to level the playing field between those with full access and those without.

Download this free report here.