K-12 Equity, Access, and Opportunity in the Age of Distance Learning

Distance learning has presented educators with many obstacles to overcome. One being K-12 equity, access, and opportunity for all students and teachers during this time. Continual learning is of utmost importance but not every student or teacher has the same access and resources. We recently spoke with Noah Geisel to hear his input on what K-12 equity, access, and opportunity looks like in the age of distance learning.

What K-12 Equity, Access, and Opportunity Looks like in the Age of Distance Learning

Many students and teachers are struggling. However, many more students, parents, teachers, tech coaches, and administrators are coming up with ways to combat the digital divide in k-12 education. 

Noah explained that when it comes to equity, it is a journey and there really is no finish line. The tools, information, and technology around us are constantly changing and advancing, so once you start working towards finding a solution to K-12 equity, you will continue the work because there is a responsibility to continuously make education better. Noah believes that anybody who doesn’t think there is massive opportunities to improve is probably not looking in the right places. Educators should be asking themselves the questions of, “where we are and where we could be?”

Right now, the goal of public education is to not only educate students but to create healthy and successful citizens. “We have an obligation to help improve a system that works well for everyone, not just those who it was historically built to do right by,” says Noah.

How to Be Mindful of K-12 Equity, Access, and Opportunity

1. Ask Tough Questions

Reflect and ask yourself who your current system caters to. Noah urges educators to look in the mirror and carry the responsibility to do better. Ask yourself “How can I make a difference? If not for everyone then at least for my student?”

2. Make Accommodations

Teachers, Tech Coaches, and Administrators have a huge responsibility to ensure that each and every one of their students are getting the same quality of education. Communicate with parents and students to find out what their current home situation is. Find alternatives for students who don’t have the same privileges as other students. Create wifi centers, bussing systems to the library, or hotspots for families.

3. Bloom’s Taxonomy 

BTAX described bloom’s taxonomy as, “It serves as a guide for educators to classify their lesson objectives through different levels. These levels are Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, and Create. In summary, the use of Bloom’s Taxonomy ensures that lesson objectives are developing critical thinking and higher-order cognitive abilities in students.”

Currently, the education system is created to work well for people who are born into privilege or have privilege. Noah stated that we are a very long way away from where we will be but he is encouraged by the effort made in recent months, especially with technology. Take time to truly evaluate how supported the students and staff are at your school. Join the journey to K-12 equity. 

Listen to the full conversation with Noah Geisel on our Tackling Tech Podcast!

On this episode of Tackling Tech Podcast, powered by Dyknow, Brett McGrath speaks to Noah Geisel, an educator, EdTech Coach, trainer, speaker, and expert in Digital Badge Credentials. Brett and Noah discuss equity, access, opportunity, and human-centered design.