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Shift to distance learning amid COVID-19 poses challenges for Bay Area families
Maureen Naylor reports
In the Oakland Unified School District, there are roughly 17,000 students - out of a total of 50,000 including charter school students - who don’t have computers or WiFi, said Seth Hubbert, executive director of Tech Exchange, a nonprofit dedicated to "digital equity" that provides free and low-cost computers to schools.
Hubbert said there are another 8,000 students who might have one computer at home, but several siblings and parents who all have to share it. Altogether, that's half of the students in Oakland public schools whose technology needs aren't currently being met at home, he said. As of Friday, nearly six weeks after the shelter-in-place order, district data shows that 1,450 students still don't have computers and 3,340 students don't have internet access. Some individuals, and companies including Hewlett-Packard and Salesforce, have donated monitors and money toward this effort, Hubbert said. But he said it's not enough. That's why, Tech Exchange is actively fundraising to raise $2 million to buy about 4,000 more Chromebooks to fill this immediate gap, and trying to raise another $12.5 million more for long-term computer needs. Visit donate.techexchange.org to make a contribution today.
Click HERE to read the full original story on KTVU.com
As the world comes together in isolation, we know closing the digital divide is as important as ever.
Please consider donating to Tech Exchange today so that we can continue to lead the critical work in ensuring all communities are connected. 
8 Comments
4/17/2023 10:55:38 am
Companies including Hewlett-Packard and Salesforce, have donated monitors and money toward this effort, hubbert said. Thank you for sharing your great post! 4/18/2023 09:37:27 am
That's half of the students in oakland public schools whose technology needs aren't currently being met at home, he said. Thank you for making this such an awesome post! 4/18/2023 10:11:48 am
Executive director of tech exchange, a nonprofit dedicated to digital equity that provides free and low-cost computers to schools. Thank you, amazing post! 4/18/2023 12:18:15 pm
That’s mostly because families without computers have difficulties hearing about and turning in online surveys, which districts rely on to determine how many families need the resources. Thank you for sharing your great post! 4/24/2023 08:09:27 am
Companies including hewlett packard and salesforce, have donated monitors and money toward this effort, hubbert said. Thank you for the beautiful post! 4/24/2023 09:27:46 am
That’s because his family doesn’t own a laptop or desktop computer and he does all his assignments on his phone. Thank you for sharing your great post! 4/25/2023 09:08:49 am
Siebel Newsom said one in five California children does not have connectivity or a device to access remote learning. Thank you for sharing your great post! Leave a Reply. |
