Inequality, in all its forms, is unjust and bad for societies. Education inequality refers to the  uneven distribution of academic resources such as funding, qualified and experienced teachers and staff,  books, and, more importantly, tools, and technologies. 

Even before the pandemic shocked the world and individuals were made to shift to the "new  normal", there was a significant divide between rich and poor students' lifestyles. Researchers verify that the academic advantages of children whose parents have  post-graduate degrees are much higher than those whose parents have a high school level diploma. 

The consequences of educational inequality are far-reaching but are often overshadowed by  the debates on education costs and budget constraints. While there are many different causes  of educational inequality, it basically boils down to the fact that children from families that  are less educated are less aligned to attend schools. Also, they usually attend schools that are  not well funded and hence less equipped to compensate for the deficiency. 

The pandemic crisis and the current economic downturn have worsened the already  present discrepancies in the system. 

And one can only ask: are we going backwards with educational inequality?

As the governments worldwide imposed lockdowns, and  students are shunned away from classrooms, most learning has shifted online. Of course, this  doesn't affect everyone alike. 

The shift has been much easier for some. Students from well off families were able to make quicker and smoother transitions as they are well equipped  with the required kit that is a stable internet connection and a laptop or a tablet PC. 

On the other hand, many students struggle as they are required to compete and share a single  laptop or a tablet with other family members. Some do not have access to even a single  device. America's education department reckons that nearly one in eight students do not have  internet access via a desktop or laptop at home. 

In addition to the resource constraint, another  aspect of the issue is that distant learning is far more dependent on self-interest and intrinsic  motivation as compared to the traditional classroom environment. Therefore it is even more  challenging for students, already at some disadvantage and they can be ousted from the  process entirely.

Education is my life. And I know that whatever we do now, we will pay the consequences or reap the benefits in about 20 years. Will we have prepared the new generation for the world of the future? Will they know about technology? Digital tools?

Or will they have a washed-down, worsened version of the education system from the last century? 

This will shape the way our economies work. It will shape the way the whole world works. As time passes, technology only becomes more important in our day to day lives, but also in our professional lives. If only the rich have computers and technology, and the know-how of how to use them, we will live in a completely divided world. A world divided by those who lead and those who follow. 

You can basically learn anything for free on the internet. You can read or watch videos about any topic and just learn about it. It just depends on your own discipline, schedule and consistent hard work. 

The downside? You need to pay for a degree. And those that 

 for a degree are getting a structured education, teachers, mentors, reviews of their work, exams and so on… It’s easier for them to learn. 

The sweetspot? Skills that require building something

Coding or design require a portfolio. For all the diplomas someone could have, you can just build something better and faster. If someone went to the best art school for a year, they might have an advantage on you. But if your designs are way better, it’s a no brainer…

These are scary times. If half of the world ends up without the proper education, the future won’t look too bright. This is our major challenge: making sure everyone has the resources to be prepared and educated for the world of tomorrow. It all largely depends on each nation’s government, making the right policies, so I wouldn’t hold my breath. On the other hand, most people can learn through the internet by themselves. 

The goal? Make sure everyone has a device that’s connected to the internet so they can learn whatever they want. The reality? Tik Tok. 

https://sundial.csun.edu/92480/opinions/its

 time-to-end-the-cycle-of-educational-inequity/>. 

Born Equal – How reducing inequality could give our children a better future

Educational Inequality: Mapping Race, Class and Gender.  A Synthesis of Research Evidence. 

Williamson, B., Eynon, R., & Potter, J. (2020). 

Pandemic politics, pedagogies and practices:  digital technologies and distance education during the coronavirus emergency. 

Blundell, R., Dias, M. C., Joyce, R., & Xu, X. (2020). Covid‐19 and inequalities. 

Education now moves at the speed of the internet: no one can be left behind

0 Comments