Beyond the Microscope Blog Post | April 29, 2021

By Michaela Goss, Communications Volunteer

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced all schools and businesses to move to remote operations, if they were able. One year later, as vaccines roll out, schools and businesses are attempting to figure out life after the pandemic.

Many businesses have already pledged to remain remote for good, while many schools will return to fully in-person operations as soon as possible. A new model many workplaces may turn to is hybrid, where staff will be part-time in-person and part-time remote. For many workers, this approach may seem ideal: They get to maintain the flexibility of remote working, yet they can also go into offices if they so choose. But is this accessible for everyone?

The ability to work from home seems inherently accessible. The worker wouldn’t have a commute, and, therefore, any company could hire an employee regardless of where they live. However, this idea assumes that everyone has internet and broadband connectivity at home, which is not the case. Rural and low-income urban communities, in particular, are more likely to lack internet access at home.

The main issue with this inaccessibility is that people in homes without internet connections would be fully unable to work, learn, or both from home, so they could potentially lose a source of income or fall behind in school. This is what is commonly referred to as the digital divide, or the gap between those with the benefits of technology and the internet and those without.

Many rural and low-income people and families are inherently disadvantaged by the digital divide. However, some cities, including Philadelphia, are partnering with internet service providers to provide connectivity into the homes of low-income students and their families.

The digital divide also strikes in a more tangible form, as well. Remote workers and students can’t do their work without devices like computers or tablets, so some organizations have also donated Chromebooks to low-income students, and some school districts are providing Chromebooks, as well.

The pandemic still leaves many technology-related questions unanswered, though. Are free internet access and gifted devices acting as band aids for the more detrimental issues the digital divide presents? Will Philadelphia and other cities still provide internet access to those low-income households after students can return to school in-person? Will students get to keep the devices they’ve been gifted by organizations? Or will the world return to the divided normal it was back in early 2020 and before?

In a more optimistic angle, maybe the world won’t return to the pre-COVID normal. Maybe these students will remember the impact of the pandemic and the exacerbation of the digital  divide it caused, and will want to make a difference. Instead of a return to what was normal, the world could enter a brighter digital age, where more students decide to enter technology fields in order to innovate connectivity globally.

Maybe more students will feel excited, educated, and empowered to enter careers in technology, just as Kids In Tech hopes they will.

Beyond the Microscope Blog Post | April 14, 2021

by Aimee Khan, Communications Volunteer

I went to school in the 90s. Back then, children of all races and genders were encouraged to pursue mathematics and science as well as interdisciplinary subjects like history and English. A well-rounded education is necessary in being able to decide a path in college and beyond. I find that the state of a student’s education improves with inspiring teachers who encourage them to pursue their dreams, goals, and passions. Schools may also provide resources in the form of comprehensive libraries and internet access, well-reviewed curriculums, and superior after school programs.

The opportunities present for college students today provide an interactive ability for them to rise beyond what they thought they were capable of. As an alumni mentor, I heard from a university student about the use of 3D printers to perform bioengineering experiments and accessible computational courses to further enhance scientific understanding and ability. There is also an increased usage of tablets to convert handwritten notes to typed text, changing the face of notetaking and multimedia resources. Even though much has changed since I was a student, when it comes to education, inspiration is key. Those experiences light up the mind of a student who would have otherwise not known or not discovered their own potential or interest in the subject matter and then they seek a role models to aspire to.

Firstly, students must have the opportunity to be exposed to many different scientific concepts and these topics should be presenting in a tangible way. This enables the student to decide if this is the path to pursue in the future regardless of any stereotypes present based on the student’s race or gender. Usually, self-belief overcomes biased thinking especially regarding skill or merit. Tune into the Beyond the Microscope Webinar series to learn about The State of STEAM Education on April 28, 2021 and hear from our guest speakers.