Increasing Digital Access in the Classroom: Best Practices and Strategies

Not every learner has the same access to computers, tablets, or the internet. When some learners can use technology for schoolwork and others cannot, a gap forms in the classroom. This guide explains that gap, called the digital divide, and outlines practical ways that teachers, school heads, and education staff can help more learners get digital access.

On this page 5 sections

What the digital divide is

The digital divide is the gap between people who have access to technology and people who do not. In schools, it shows up when some learners have devices and internet at home while others do not.

The gap can come from several causes:

• Socioeconomic status: some families cannot afford devices or an internet connection.
• Geographic location: some areas have weak or no internet service.
• Cultural barriers: some communities have less familiarity with, or less use of, technology.

The divide matters because it affects how well learners do in school. Learners without access may miss learning opportunities and fall behind their classmates.

Best practices for increasing digital access

These are the core practices a school can build into how it works.

1. Provide access to technology

The most direct step is to give learners the tools themselves:

• Lend laptops or tablets for learners to use in class.
• Help learners who have no internet at home get connected.
• Consider a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, where learners may bring their own phones, tablets, or laptops to use in class.

2. Train teachers

Devices help only when teachers know how to use them well. Professional development programs can give teachers the skills to use digital resources and tools in their lessons and to improve learning with them.

3. Teach digital literacy to learners

Access is more than having a device. Learners also need to know how to use technology for learning and research, and how to stay safe online. Teaching these skills helps every learner make real use of digital resources.

4. Build partnerships

Schools do not have to do this alone:

• Technology companies can help schools get newer equipment and resources.
• Local libraries and community centers can give learners another place to use computers and the internet outside school.
• Local businesses and organizations can support the school’s efforts.

Strategies for increasing digital access

These strategies help schools find the resources and spaces to put the best practices into action.

1. Seek funding and grants

Schools can apply for grants from government agencies, private foundations, and other organizations. The money can be used to buy devices and to provide internet access for learners.

2. Use mobile learning labs

A mobile learning lab is a set of laptops or tablets that can be brought to different schools and community centers. It lets learners in places without a computer room use technology and digital resources.

3. Set up digital resource centers

A digital resource center is a fixed space in a school or community center with computers, printers, and other digital tools. It can also offer educational software and online learning platforms.

Summary: seven ways to close the gap

Approach	What it does
Provide technology	Gives learners devices and internet access, including through BYOD
Train teachers	Helps teachers use digital tools well in lessons
Teach digital literacy	Helps learners use technology for study and stay safe online
Build partnerships	Brings in support from companies, libraries, and community centers
Seek funding and grants	Pays for devices and internet access
Mobile learning labs	Brings devices to schools and communities that lack them
Digital resource centers	Creates a shared space with computers, printers, and software

No single step closes the digital divide. Combining several of these approaches, matched to what your learners and community need most, gives every learner a fairer chance to benefit from technology in school.

Frequently asked questions