Narrowing the digital divide

£45 million has been pledged to improve digital connectivity in schools to close the digital divide over the next year.

The £45 million includes £25 million for wireless networks and £20 million for fibre upgrades. The government is setting a long-term ambition for all schools and colleges to meet six core standards by 2030. These include broadband internet, wireless networks, network switches, digital leadership, filtering and monitoring and cyber security. While the 2030 target seems far away, there is help available now. Schools can use the government’s Plan Technology For Your School tool to assess their current tech infrastructure.

The government wants to hear from educators and those supporting the education sector in a consultation that is open for eight weeks and specifically asks about  schools’ readiness to meet the six standards, what additional support they might need and their experiences with digital technology in teaching.

This is an opportunity to shape how these standards are implemented and it isn’t necessary to be an IT expert to contribute. This is part of the governments Digital Inclusion Action Plan.