During my Scholastic Facebook chat, a question about making technology accessible to low income families was asked by one of the participants. During the Clinton administration there was a lot of talk about the digital divide and the haves and have nots in terms of technology accessibility. While the conversation has waned, the digital divide still exists.
As a former teacher in a Title 1 elementary school where almost half of our kids qualified for free and reduced meals (FARMS) and many didn’t have computers in their homes, it was important for my students to have experiences with technology in the classroom and through lab experiences just as it is for all kids to have access to computers in schools. Kids are growing up in a world where it’s essential to use technology for jobs and we do our kids a disservice by not providing them with access.
One of the biggest challenges of technology accessibility is the cost. A home computer and internet access is a pretty hefty fee so I was pleased to learn that Comcast Internet Essentials makes accessibility affordable by providing qualified families with computers for $149.99 and monthly internet access for $4.99/month to help break down the digital divide.
But internet access isn’t enough. It’s also important to be digitally literate by providing computer skills training and teaching users how to navigate the internet. Comcast offers free learning tools through their Online Learning Center that offers videos and tutorials, assistance in locating an in person internet training class, lessons in social media, and links to aid in an online job search.
But internet access isn’t enough. It’s also important to be digitally literate by providing computer skills training and teaching users how to navigate the internet. Comcast offers free learning tools through their Online Learning Center that offers videos and tutorials, assistance in locating an in person internet training class, lessons in social media, and links to aid in an online job search.
It’s great to know that my internet service provider is continuing to help eliminate the digital divide by providing affordable technology and internet access to those who need it most.
Here are resources about Comcast Internet Essentials to share to ensure that everyone has access to a computer and the internet:
- For general information about Internet Essentials, please visit: www.internetessentials.com (for English) and www.internetbasico.com (for Spanish).
- For educators, third-parties and others interested in helping to spread the word, please visit: www.internetessentials.com/partner where you can access free brochures and other handouts.
- If you know a parent who should apply for this program, please tell them to call 1-855-846-8376 or, for Spanish, 1-855-765-6995.
As a member of the Comcast Digital Ambassador Program, I receive Xfinity Triple Play in exchange for my involvement in the program. All opinions are my own. Images and logos courtesy of Comcast.
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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
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At least steps are being made in the right direction although I would like to see this going even further. I would love to see it extended to all low income households even without children (some folks believe it or not are poor and dont have kids) these people need access too for jobs. I dont want to go off on a rant, but all programs cant reward people for having children and nowdays internet access is needed for the vast majority of job searches , and most seniors are below poverty levels currently in place.
With the accessibility of WiFi , I would really hope that in the very near future that the internet is something free to all (well not free I am sure it will be in taxes) and that basic computers are made even more affordable for everyone.
Here in Iowa and in some other states cellphones are now available for qualified households- income based. Nothing fancy, but the phones give users 250 free minutes per month- they dont take pics, they dont have a data plan, but they do work.
Anymore, it is almost not a want but a need in todays connected world.
I am glad to see this as a first step and hats off to Comcast- but I hope it goes further.