This article from Digital Promise discusses the continuing digital learning gap, and explains how Americans in and out of school can use technology to improve learning opportunities and outcomes. While equity in access to broadband remains a continued challenge for rural communities, the need for technology in learning today is now becoming a unique responsibility.
Zoom technology was created 10 years ago to build a better video communications platform to simplify how people communicate. In this article, Zoom’s CEO shares the unique responsibility of the company to support people staying home in order to avoid potential coronavirus infection.
[gview file=”https://publicservicesalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Closing-the-Digital-Learning-Gap-Digital-Promise.pdf”] [gview file=”https://publicservicesalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Zoom’s-Commitment-to-User-Support-Business-Continuity-During-the-Coronavirus-Outbreak-Zoom-Blog.pdf”]The coronavirus is massively disrupting daily life as people are increasingly staying home in order to avoid potential infection. Hospitals and medical clinics are being inundated with sick patients, putting additional strain on doctors and nurses. Businesses are scrambling to manage remote teams and provide business continuity. Educational institutions are trying to maintain coursework for their students amid school closures.
While the comments from the Zoom CEO were directed at the coronavirus public health emergency affecting thousands of people in numerous countries, the impact of the outbreak is now reaching the United States.
As of yesterday, in the Seattle area, my daughter and her husband, both tech workers, are now working remotely until further notice. Some schools and universities are now turning to online learning. The Seattle schools remain open due to a concern about the equity of online learning access for all of the students it serves. Of course, many service employees are unable to work remotely and will face the decision to stay home if feeling sick or show up for work for the necessary pay check.