Critical Matters of a Critical Age

A look at two types of critical topics worth discussing

Introduction

Education is currently, and always has been, submerged in critical issues that evolve with the times. The use of technology and its ability to aid so many of these critical topics has increasingly been at the forefront of many educational conversations, especially in post-Covid classrooms. Two topics of interest within these discussions are that of predictive analytics and the many aspects of the digital divide. Both important and necessary to dissect and fully comprehend as an educator.

Predictive Modeling

As big data continues to enter the education system in a variety of ways, it is important for administrators to begin educating themselves on the best ways to interpret and make sense of the myriad of information coming from the data. In a system where teachers are already overworked and overwhelmed, it becomes impossible to make sense of all of the data that can be collected about students without a solid model that can help guide and direct them. While big data can be useful to educators, it can also be overwhelming and completely irrelevant if not absorbed from a productive and purposeful lens.

When data is analyzed properly it becomes a powerful tool in targeting the learning needs of individual students. The use of predictive modeling and artificial intelligence have proven to provide descriptive data and diagnostics that can help limit the overwhelming feeling of too much data (SREB, 2018). Predictive modeling is a tool used to look for trends in student data and then predict possible outcomes for the individual student. This type of analysis can enhance student performance, as well as improve statistics of graduation rates within US high schools.

By using predictive modeling as an early warning system, data is able to be generated that can classify a student risk level in a variety of scenarios (Porter & Balu, 2016). This type of technology allows educational systems to create various, real-time data updates of students across a plethora of indicators. A tool of this nature has the power to truly impact and possibly redirect the destinies of at-risk students. By depending on the predictive analysis of data, educators are given information over patterns needing interventions that may have been missed with the human eye. As the shift to data-driven instruction increases, the use of predictive analysis should also rise. A tool of this kind can be used “for making full, efficient use of the data generated by the technology systems that support education” (SREB, 2018). I believe that any educator will agree that any effective use of data is a great investment in students and teachers alike.

Broadband Networks and The Second Level Digital Divide

In a post-covid world, technology has become an essential component to everyday life as an American citizen. While the United States’ broadband network remained one of the top countries to have performed well throughout the pandemic, there still remains a perpetual gap known as the digital divide that was impeccably accentuated during the global crisis. Broadband service providers and networks worked tirelessly to keep up with the accelerated use of online streaming during stay at home orders. However, while the accommodation of the networks should be applauded, these networks do not have capacity to properly address the very serious issue of the digital divide currently happening.

“A persistent digital divide continues to mean not everyone is connected, whether it be due to a lack of infrastructure in rural, uneconomic areas, or a variety of adoption hurdles throughout the country” (Brake, 2020). As an educator of a rural Texas school, understanding the lack of resources available to many of our students is crucial in beginning to even think about closing the digital divide. Ross Ramsey (2020) reported that when the pandemic initially began, one third of Texas residents did not have broadband in their homes. This created a substantial issue when it came to families having access to work and school. Before the pandemic, internet access was simply a convenience, a luxury item if you will. However, it became increasingly clear during and after the pandemic, that the internet is now a necessity-an essential worker needed within homes everywhere.

It is obvious to consider things like food and shelter essential, but also important to note that those things can be (and were) provided by programs for people who needed them during the pandemic. In looking at affordable access to broadband infrastructure, many companies and networks provided reputable services for those who did not have prior access to in-home internet service by providing hotspots for residents to use in large areas of their rural locations.. However, there still remains a gap in widespread access to broadband subscriptions and devices that was greatly highlighted by the pandemic. Many families still struggle to afford monthly subscriptions to broadband services or have access to broadband devices within their homes. Studies show that the United States offers broadband that is affordable to most, yet many households are still lacking the essential access to the internet. This could be attributed to the high poverty rate the United States currently has as a nation (Brake, 2020). It is important to begin considering broadband network access as an essential in households and for policymakers to begin delegating funds to said cause.

In speaking about the importance of closing the digital divide and providing access to everyone, Geoffrey Starks (Brake, 2020) stated that in looking at broadband, it needs to begin being considered “as a civil right that we can’t afford to lose but many can’t afford to have.” Even as most classrooms resume normal face-to-face learning, technology in education has been forever impacted by the pandemic and the sudden realization of how important technology can be within the realm of teaching and learning. Broadband networks are an essential and critical component of this critical age.

Conclusion

As an elementary teacher who taught in a rural district during the Covid 19 pandemic, both of these issues are of incredible importance to me. I have witnessed many of my students fall behind due to the “Covid Gap” that resulted from lack of access to technology when classrooms were shut down. I believe that there is still a huge digital divide happening across the United States that is easily overlooked because so many people do have regular access to the internet. It is an issue that must be addressed by policy makers and a movement must take place to prioritize the need for affordable access to all.

Because of these gaps, we have done immense amounts of testing on our kids to determine learning deficits and begin filling in the places where students are lacking. Big data is coming to small schools and we need the technology to effectively utilize the data. Predictive modeling is a powerful tool that can aid in that transition. Understanding the importance of both of these issues and educating ourselves on the best ways to implore change on the topics is a necessary shift needed in education today.

Additional Resource

References

Brake, D. (2020). Lessons From the Pandemic: Broadband Policy After COVID-19 [Review of Lessons From the Pandemic: Broadband Policy After COVID-19]. Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, 1–18.

Porter, K. E., & Balu, R. (2016). Predictive Modeling of K-12 Academic Outcomes [Review of Predictive Modeling of K-12 Academic Outcomes]. MDRC.

Ramsey, R. (2020, April 1). Analysis: A digital divide with dire consequences for Texas [Review of Analysis: A digital divide with dire consequences for Texas]. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2020/04/01/digital-divide-dire-consequences-texas/

SREB. (2018). 10 Issues in Educational Technology (pp. 2–11) [Review of 10 Issues in Educational Technology]. Southern Regional Education Board.