The Critical Role of Technology Support Programs During the COVID-19 Transition to E-Learning

Abstract

Long before the onset of the COVID -19 pandemic, there was a technological divide in the education system. Before the Spring 2020 academic semesters went entirely virtual, the digital divide was not as discussed, as students had access to resources such as their university library and computer labs. However, when millions of students were forced to transition their school life to their household, it became more apparent that students did not have access to the same quality of support when attending lectures on campus. According to research conducted by Robin Lake, one in five parents with children attending school mentioned how likely their child will suffer completing their schoolwork due to the lack of instant access to technology in their homes - roughly about “21 percent” (Lake, 2020, p. 1). With many students unable to access technology to complete schoolwork, the digital divide is highlighted now more than ever.