I appreciate the generosity of those that gave to the so called “Oakland Undivided” campaign. There are literally thousands of underserved Oakland students who cannot get into the digital school house door. It was encouraging to see the fundraising goal met in less than a week. I am a lot less encouraged by the actual…
digital divide
Philly’s Hard Lesson on Access, and Why 81,000 Chromebooks May not Help Students Learn
“It becomes sort of futile to provide the Chromebooks if we’re not providing the internet access,” Philly’s problem is America’s problem. If you want to go to school, see a doctor, apply for a job, enroll in training, or get government benefits—you need a computer and internet. Internet access is an essential public utility. However,…
New Study; Half of Bay Area Families Couldn’t Pay Bills Pre-COVID, More Evidence “Low Cost” Internet Won’t Close the Digital Divide
Tipping Point’s latest study proved what many of us know. Before, during, and after the pandemic many of our families cannot afford internet. Even at $10 a month. Internet is the last bill you pay when it competes with food, rent, lights, water, or acute health care needs. And as you can see below 50%…
Why Oakland’s Current Plan WONT CLOSE the Digital Divide and How We Can
I would guess more than half of Oakland’s Flatland families are worrying about food. They also are worrying about rent. And when that will be due. Some are getting pressure to pay right now. They can’t. How much money do you think they have to pay for internet? You know the answer. So, when I…
Press Conference Scheduled: OUSD and City of Oakland Announce Plan to CLOSE the Digital Divide; Bold $12.5 Million Plan Launches on Thursday!
OUSD press releaseOakland, CA — “It’s time to close the digital divide once and for all,” is the rallying cry of the leaders of a new effort to support students and families in Oakland. The digital divide has been in the news recently as something that keeps the field of education uneven and unfair. Students with plenty…