Great article Nico! I remembered how in 2020, as COVID-19 was sweeping its way across the US, and schools were closing due to the pandemic, I read an article that described how U.S. students faced a digital ‘homework gap’ or ‘digital divide’. Namely, 15 to 16 million U.S. K-12 students lacked access to a working device, reliable high-speed internet, or both. And while this was a major problem for students in all 50 states, and all types of communities, it was most pronounced in rural communities and households with Black, Latinx, and Native American students.

But a lot of progress has been made! Over the last year, states and districts took significant action. Their efforts closed 20% to 40% of the K–12 connectivity divide and 40% to 60% of the device divide as of December 2020. There is still a lot to do – as you mention. But I believe we are moving in the right direction.

Article I mention: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/kids_action/final_-_what_it_will_take_to_permanently_close_the_k-12_digital_divide_vjan26_1.pdf