Digital Equity in Rural America: How do we solve the homework gap for students who have devices but zero high-speed internet access at home?

Digital Divide

The gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not.

Homework Gap

The difficulties students face in completing homework due to lack of reliable internet access.

FWA (Fixed Wireless Access)

A method of delivering high-speed internet using wireless signals instead of physical cabling.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

A program designed to assist low-income families with internet costs, providing subsidies to help close the digital divide.

Digital Literacy

The ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate, and create information using a range of digital technologies.

Standardized Test Scores

Scores obtained from state or national assessments that measure what students know and can do in core subjects.

Widening the "Homework Gap"

A situation where the closure of programs like the ACP leads to increased difficulties for students in completing assignments due to loss of internet access.

Delayed Tolerant Networking (DTN)

A networking technology that allows data to be transmitted intermittently and stored temporarily until a connection is established.

Income Disparities

Differences in income levels among various groups that affect access to resources like the internet.

College Aspirations

The intentions of students to pursue higher education, which can be influenced by access to technology and resources.