“Digital Divide: Its Implications and Ways to Bridge the Gap as a Student”
The internalization of data technology in learning has radically shifted society especially to those people who can acquire the services. On the contrary, those who cannot obtain these services continue to be within the dark, remaining stagnant. This led to a brand-new layer within the society. The large disparity in access to information and communication technology adversely affected the education sector. The impact of this disparity can be felt in all aspects of our life. There’s no specific definition for the digital divide. This split has a huge scope, ranging from the technological disparity in the economy to education. But some things are certain. This digital split revealed the real situation that we have at present. There is inequality in physical access to technology and imbalances in resources needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen. As a student, let us reflect and remember the school scenarios where the digital divide is present.
Conducting research is part of the K-12 curriculum and of course, the basic device that the students can rely on is their laptops and a stable internet connection. Although we are studying in a private school, not all of us are privilege enough to buy our own laptops. Some of us don’t have smartphones. Others only have a keypad cellphone. Some of us rely on free Wi-Fi. There are times when the teachers require us to do some research online and some of my classmates just stare at my other classmates who has an access to the internet while we just sit there and wait for someone to let us borrow their phones. It is devastating to see students struggle just to catch up with the new means of learning. As a student, I know their struggle that is why I have my own ways to bridge the gap of this digital divide. I let my classmates use my laptop especially during reporting, presentations, or doing their research because there are instances that the library is fully occupied. Sometimes, if I brought my Wi-Fi modem to school, I let my classmates connect as long as it is for educational purposes. I know that these are just little ways to help bridge the gap but a simple step could make a huge difference. If only everyone will do the same, we can surpass the challenges brought by the digital split.