Digital (In)Equity in Manitoba

Source: https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/server_files/media/iStock-1133385963.jpg

COVID has impacted people around the world and in particular, students and the education sector have been no exception. The transition to online learning has highlighted one aspect that perhaps many did not foresee - digital inequality among Manitoba students. 

Those living in urban centres and specifically the families who can afford home internet are likely unaware of the inequity faced by those living in remote or rural environments. The reality is, the internet is costly for remote and rural communities, and in many instances, not even available. 

I live in rural Manitoba on an acreage 15km from the nearest town and over 100km from the nearest city. Major internet providers such as Shaw or MTS do not service our area. Smaller companies such as XplorNet do, but service fees are substantial in comparison - and I will tell you that for the price, this is not a premium service. Still, I am fortunate enough to have access to and be able to afford such services. Many rural communities, and especially remote First Nations reserves, do not have such opportunities.

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Digital inequality is yet another way we are failing Indigenous children of Manitoba. In June 2015, the Truth & Reconciliation Committee released 94 Calls to Action which highlighted recommendations for change in many sectors. Specific to education, the committee called to “eliminate gaps in education between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, p1-2)”.

Throughout my education degree, I’ve heard from colleagues teaching in northern Manitoba, “These new technologies and tools are great, but I’ll never be able to use that in my classroom.” There is an expectation in today’s industry of core digital literacy skills, but the technology needed to gain these skills aren’t even accessible to all students.

ICT Coordinator for Mountain View School Division, Kirsten Thompson, spoke to digital equity in Manitoba as a Guest Speaker for the #I4Ed class at Brandon University. Kirsten herself, along with many students in the Mountain View region must drive to a division hotspot in order to access the internet - that’s assuming the student has access to a car (and driver) to get on site, a device to connect with and the weather is decent enough to sit in the vehicle while online.

In a panel organized by Tech Manitoba, ManACE and ICTC, Kirsten along with several other experts discussed accessibility of tech for youth across Manitoba, highlighting several issues regarding equitable access for all students. In short, the guidelines established in the Manitoba Education Standards for Remote Learning may not allow for equal opportunities for rural and remote students without internet access, or families living in poverty who cannot afford home internet. The panel’s research is supporting communities to develop solutions to meet these gaps.

This pandemic has been a stark reminder that we have a ways to go in providing equitable education opportunities to all students in Manitoba. The Manitoba Education department needs to prioritize digital equity in order to serve our students and provide them the best opportunities to become successful in today’s industry.

Resources

People for Education. (2021). “Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action”. Retrieved on January 13, 2021: https://peopleforeducation.ca/our-work/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada-calls-to-action/

Tech Manitoba. (2020). “Digital Equity in Manitoba Education”. Retrieved on January 13, 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbM1BxWHpo8&t=2216s. 

Thompson, K. (2021). “The Inequity of Remote Learning.” Teaching in a Fishbowl. Retrieved on January 13, 2021: https://fishbowlteaching.com/2020/09/the-inequity-of-remote-learning/.