Equitable Access: Bridging the Digital Divide to Foster Online Learning

1. Equitable Access: Bridging the Digital Divide to Foster Online Learning MN eLearning Summit, July 30, 2013 Mary Ann Van Cura, State Library Services, Minnesota Department of Education Karen Johnson, Project Socrates Catherine Durivage, Minnesota Braille & Talking Book Library, Minnesota Department of Education “Leading for educational excellence and equity. Every day for every one.”

2. Program Description Gaps in equitable access to technology, Internet access, and skills continue even as online learning opportunities and requirements increase. Since public education and other government entities exist to serve all Minnesotans, attending to equity is essential. Learn the issues, gaps, and opportunities for providing equitable access to online learning. In this session, participants will gain an overview of the following: 1. Issues in equitable access to technology, online courses, and quality instruction; 2. Demographics and disparities of US and Minnesota residents and emerging national efforts; and 3. Accessibility challenges of online learning. education.state.mn.us

3. Equitable Access: Bridging the Digital Divide to Foster Online LearningDemographics & Disparities – US, MN Mary Ann Van Cura State Library Services Minnesota Department of Education MN eLearning Summit, July 30, 2013 “Leading for educational excellence and equity. Every day for every one.”

4. The Story that Led to Watching Data • Libraries were/are on the front lines • Provide service to public, all residents, cradle-to-grave • As print resources moved online, libraries added hardware, software, Internet access, and trained staff • Public Libraries & Digital Literacy: • http://www.plinternetsurvey.org/sites/default/files/publications/DigitalLiteracyBrief2012_0.pdf • Research & Issues Briefs on Library Impact: • http://www.ala.org/research/initiatives/plftas/issuesbriefs • http://www.ala.org/research/librariesmatter/ Equitable Access, MN eLearningSummit 2013 maryann.vancura@state.mn.us, education.state.mn.us

5. The Story (Cont.) • Libraries see increase in demand for services • Organizations partner with libraries as information moves online • Government – federal, state, local agencies move info online and refer residents to local library • Education – homework, enewsletter access for parents without computers, remote database access • Health Care – new health insurance options • Legal – Legal Aid offices Equitable Access, MN eLearningSummit 2013 maryann.vancura@state.mn.us, education.state.mn.us

6. The Story (Cont. again) • Libraries contribute to equitable access for Minnesota and U.S. residents • Some decision-makers see impact, others ask, • “Isn’t everyone online?” • “Even if they aren’t online, doesn’t everyone have a smart phone now?” • “The young all know how to use technology.” • So, Where’s the data? Equitable Access, MN eLearningSummit 2013 maryann.vancura@state.mn.us, education.state.mn.us

7. First: Models of Equitable Access • ABC’s of Digital Inclusion • From practitioners in the world of public computer centers • Access, adoption, and application principles of digital inclusion • From Institute of Museum and Library Services, University of Washington, International City/ County Management Association Equitable Access, MN eLearningSummit 2013 maryann.vancura@state.mn.us, education.state.mn.us

8. ABC’s of Digital Inclusion • Access • Internet [home, work, mobile data plan] • Hardware/Devices [computer, laptop, tablet, ereader, smartphone] • Software • Basic Skills, or Digital Literacy • Content Relevant to the User Source: Practitioners in world of public computer centers Equitable Access, MN eLearningSummit 2013 maryann.vancura@state.mn.us, education.state.mn.us

9. Figure 2. Access, adoption, and application principles of digital inclusion Access Adoption Application --Institute of Museum and Library Services, University of Washington, International City/ County Management Association. (2012 January). Building Digital Communities: A framework for action, p10. http://www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/BuildingDigitalCommunities_Framework.pdf State of Digital Inclusion & Why It Matters, maryann.vancura@state.mn.us, PACER Technology Institute, July 2013

10. Figure 2. Access, adoption, and application principles of digital inclusion (text) • Access • Availability • Affordability • Design for Inclusion • Public Access • Adoption • Relevance • Digital Literacy • Consumer Safety --Institute of Museum and Library Services, University of Washington, International City/ County Management Association. (2012 January). Building Digital Communities: A framework for action, p10. http://www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/BuildingDigitalCommunities_Framework.pdf Equitable Access, MN eLearningSummit 2013 maryann.vancura@state.mn.us, education.state.mn.us

11. Figure 2. Access, adoption, and application principles of digital inclusion (text, Cont.) • Application • Economic and workforce development • Education • Health care • Public safety & emergency services • Civic engagement • Social connections --Institute of Museum and Library Services, University of Washington, International City/ County Management Association. (2012 January). Building Digital Communities: A framework for action, p10. http://www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/BuildingDigitalCommunities_Framework.pdf Equitable Access, MN eLearningSummit 2013 maryann.vancura@state.mn.us, education.state.mn.us

12. Everyone is Online, Right? education.state.mn.us

13. Data Overview • National, regional, and state studies show • Increasing usage of the Internet – home, work, mobile • Increasing ownership of devices – home, mobile • Continuing gaps in personal and/or home access to devices and broadband Internet based on • Income • Education level • Disability • Race/ethnicity • Age

14. Data - Home Broadband – U.S. Census/NTIA (2010) • 68.2% of U.S households have home broadband • Income [income is a high predictor of access and lack of access] • 89% with household income $75000+ Have • 73% with household income $50-75000 Have • 64% with household income $35-50000 Have • 51% with household income $25-35000 Have • 43% with household income $15-25000 Have • 32% with household income <$15000 Have • Other Notable Gaps • 38% of Americans with Disabilities Have • 30% with less than high school diploma Have • 54% with high school diploma Have • 45-50% of Hispanic, American Indian, Black Have • 61% age 5-17 Have • 50% age 55+ Have

15. Data – Home Internet/Computer – Connected Nation (2011) In a residential study of 10 states, including Minnesota……….. “• Only 37% of low-income minority households with children have broadband at home, and only 46% of all low-income households with children have broadband at home • We estimate that 17 million children do not have broadband at home – and that 7.6 million of these children live in low-income households. The disproportionate adoption gap has serious implications for technology education policy • 40% of low-income households do not own a computer (compared to only 9% of all others) • For low-income households, the cost of access and computer ownership is by far the most-cited reason why they do not adopt broadband “ Source: The Adoption Gap in Low-Income Households with Children: 2011 Residential Survey Preliminary Findings (Connected Nation)[scope: survey of 10 states, including Minnesota] http://www.connectednation.org/sites/default/files/connected-nation/connectednationlow-income2011surveyfindingsfinal.pdf

16. Data – Everyone has a cell phone? smart phone? tablet? (Pew, 5/2013) • Cell Phone: 91% • Smart Phones: 56% • 56% of Americans have smart phones • While 91% have Cell Phones, 35% are not Internet-capable • Tablet: 34% • When is a smart phone enough for education, job-seeking, and government access and when is another device needed?

17. Data - Equity of Access – iNACOL 2007 …contrary to what many believe, all students don’t have home computers with Internet connections. ... Public schools that operate educational programs available only through students’ own computers are not truly accessible. Source: North American Council for Online Learning. Access and Equity in Online Classes and Virtual Schools. November 2007. http:/www.inacol.org/resources/docs/NACOL_EquityAccess.pdf

18. Data - Equity of Access – Connected Nation, 2011 We estimate that 17 million children do not have broadband at home – and that 7.6 million of these children live in low-income households. The disproportionate adoption gap has serious implications for technology education policy Source: Connected Nation. The Adoption Gap in Low-Income Households with Children: 2011 Residential Survey Preliminary Findings, September 2011 [survey of 10 states, including Minnesota] http://www.connectednation.org/sites/default/files/connected-nation/connectednationlow-income2011surveyfindingsfinal.pdf

19. Emerging National Efforts education.state.mn.us

20. Digital Inclusion Efforts - U.S. • DigitalLearn.org • easy-to-use lessons for the public + • online community for practitioners to share ideas, resources, and best practices • EveryoneOn.org (Connect2Compete) • resources and map of training locations for public use • Toolkit of promo materials for practitioner use • Framework for Building Digital Communities • President’s Education initiative

21. Digital Literacy: Skills for Life Online • Digital Literacy (DL) Definition • Context - Data: • Digital Divide Statistics: Gaps in Access & Use • Anecdotes • Case Studies, Research • DL Standards (Competencies, Benchmarks) • DL Assessment Tools • DL Curriculum and Training Resources • Resources for Internet/Device/Software Access (free, low-cost) – Public, Home • Resources for Training in Basic Skills (free, low-cost) - Local, Online • Opportunities, Recommendations, Best Practices • What else? education.state.mn.us

22. Digital Literacy - Definition Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. What is digital literacy? (American Library Association), http://connect.ala.org/files/94226/what%20is%20digilit%20(2).pdf education.state.mn.us

23. Digital Inclusion Definition “Digital Inclusion is the ability of individuals and groups to access and use information and communication technologies. Digital inclusion encompasses not only access to the Internet but also the availability of hardware and software; relevant content and services; and training for the digital literacy skills required for effective use of information and communication technologies.” -- Institute of Museum and Library Services, University of Washington, International City/ County Management Association. (2012 January). Building Digital Communities: A framework for action, p1. http://www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/BuildingDigitalCommunities_Framework.pdf

24. Questions What are the implications for online learning when a third to two-thirds of Americans do not have a device or Internet access? What steps can be taken to ensure students and faculty build competency in basic skills for teaching and learning online learning? Equity of access is a policy consideration for public institutions – What approaches is your organization taking to address equity of access? Where are the roles and the responsibilities for skill development? What is the role of K12? Higher education? Libraries, Adult Education, Workforce Centers, and other Community-Based Organizations? What will we expect of each?

25. What are your ideas? Internet access and skills are no longer optional as information and resources move online for the activities of daily living – education, business, entertainment, finance, government, health What information can we share via the Minnesota Learning Commons to support educators and learners? Contact us! http://www.digitalliteracy.project.mnscu.edu/

26. Resources - Internet Statistics • National: • NTIA/U.S. Census (home access) – most detailed, largest sample (June 2013 report covers 2011 data) • Pew Internet (use anywhere) – most frequently updated; lacks detail on lowest income and disabilities • Multistate: • Connected Nation (home access, broadband speeds) • State: • Minnesota Internet Study 2012, Center for Rural Policy & Development (St. Peter, MN) (compares metro area and Greater MN) • ConnectMN • Local: • Minneapolis Community Technology Survey

27. Contact Mary Ann Van Cura Library Development & Continuing Education Specialist State Library Services, Minnesota Department of Education maryann.vancura@state.mn.us, 651-582-8632 http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/StuSuc/Lib/StateLibServ