All About Equity in Technology

What is equity in technology, in the context of school issued edtech devices? Simply put, it is leveling the playing field between students with means, and without means, to be granted fair access to devices which have revolutionized the way children are learning. Equity in technology means that the student whose parents bring home a combined $32,000 household income, has the same safe access to an iPad, as the student whose parents bring home a combined $320,000 household income.

Equity in technology gives all students a fair shot at learning.

Many school 1:1 programs rely on parents to be financially responsible for any device loss, theft, or damage that occurs. This can be very problematic for low-income households, as repair or replacement costs can run into the thousands of dollars, depending on the device type, the repair type, or number of devices distributed to the household. This presents a challenge that creates a vast level of inequity within districts that are deploying devices.

So what is the solution?

Most problems have multiple solutions, but with edtech devices, it really boils down to the following…

• The schools or districts are liable for any financial losses that take place
• The parents are liable for any financial losses that take place

This is where we step in. Our solution to bring equity to 1:1 programs, is to provide a single, low-cost insurance plan to indemnify the schools, districts, or parents in the event of a loss. For example, a device that costs $800 to replace, with a $200 screen repair cost…may be insured for ~$30 or so. While there is obviously a cost associated with insurance coverage, it is far less expensive than the out-of-pocket cost of any loss or damage that may take place during the course of the school year. Make no mistake about it, these losses and damages DO take place, sometimes at incredible rates. When a school, district, or parent is responsible for fixing or replacing a device…the cost to do so can create great financial strain. And a child left without a device is certain to fall behind other students in the course of study.

Insuring devices achieves equity in technology, for your 1:1 program. The playing field is leveled, and all students can have the same fair access to the devices that will help them learn how to survive and thrive in a rapidly advancing world.