Crossing the Dividing Lines to Narrow Gaps

As online classes, both synchronous and asynchronous, became necessary during the COVID-19 health crisis, the existing problem of the digital divide was exacerbated.

To narrow the gap between those who benefit from access to technological advancements and those who don’t, Illinois’ Paris Union School District 95 promoted collaboration with other school communities. Because higher-income districts do not face these problems to the degree lower-income districts do, collaborative teaching and sharing of educational re-sources are integral to bringing us out of this crisis.

We know from experience these helpful connections are doable. Our district of 1,300 students in eastern Illinois, three hours south of Chicago, has been hosting these types of collaborative events for more than a decade.