Speed19-Campus COVID Divide: Issues with Collegiate Digital Divide

While COVID-19 has caused devastation across the globe, it has also brought much-needed attention to the technological needs of university and college campuses. Due to the global pandemic, all campuses were forced to address the digital divide for all members of the campus community, including students, staff, and faculty. Research shows approximately 20 percent of college students in the United States do not have the technological capabilities needed for an online or in-person education (Inside Higher Ed, June 10, 2020). Due to the pandemic, campuses were forced to deliver student services and courses in an online format. The pandemic highlighted issues related to technical knowledge, access to adequate technology such as computers and software, and availability of high-speed internet. Yet, some diverse students benefited from the infusion of online technology for services and courses in synchronous and asynchronous formats allowing for the maintenance of other commitments to family and work. This presentation will focus on the advantages COVID-19 presented for a diverse, multi-generational group of collegiate learners. Symposium participants will be challenged to explore efforts to continually provide an equitable learning environment for a variety of diverse learners.