This article was written and Published by Rebecca Torchia — November 26th, 2024
Digital Promise, a nonprofit focused on equitable education, released the framework in August.
Digital Promise has released “A Framework for Digital Equity,” a new resource for states, K–12 schools and higher education institutions. Digital equity has been a primary topic of conversation in recent years, as K–12 schools contended with students who didn’t have access to the tools and skills they needed for online learning.
That conversation was recently in the spotlight again with the release of the 2024 revision to the National Educational Technology Plan, which highlighted three digital divides in today’s K–12 classrooms.
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The K–12 framework “identifies the actions that schools and districts must take across five interdependent domains to graduate students prepared for postsecondary learning opportunities and a workforce that increasingly requires digital skills,” Digital Promise states. The five domains are:
- Leadership for digital transformation
- Coherent systems, resources and policies
- Consistent access to devices and connectivity
- Digital competency
- Powerful learning propelled by technology
The Five Domains of the Digital Equity Framework for K–12 Schools
The goal of the framework is to help school leaders transform teaching and learning environments today and to future-proof their classrooms for the emerging technologies of tomorrow. Here’s how schools can approach each of the five domains:
Leadership for Digital Transformation
This domain encourages school, district and community leaders to set a path toward technology integration in their classrooms and across the education system. It encompasses the use of technology to put students in charge of their learning at the highest levels to achieve equitable academic and social outcomes.
MORE ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: Leverage AI in K–12 education.
Coherent Systems, Resources and Policies
District systems, resources and policies must ensure and further the deep integration of technology in learning. This includes a continuous improvement plan for adopting and using technologies. This domain also addresses funding for tech initiatives, data privacy requirements and support for procurement and professional development best practices.
Consistent Access to Devices and Connectivity
Devices and high-speed connectivity, in and out of the classroom, are crucial under this domain. These tools are necessary for equitable learning, including access to current and future emerging technologies. This domain stresses the importance of the device lifecycle, including procurement, distribution and device maintenance.
Digital Competency
Under this domain, students and educators must learn the skills, mindset and behavior necessary to effectively use technology to participate in a digitally driven society. These skills include the ability to learn, lead, communicate and otherwise participate with technology for educational and personal use.
Powerful Learning Propelled by Technology
This domain requires learner-centered instruction in classrooms to promote engagement and deeper understanding of technologies and class materials. This should be done through the integration of digital resources into teaching and learning best practices. The goal of this domain, and the entire framework, is for students to develop the technological competencies needed to achieve equitable success in education and beyond.
