Digital Poverty – Students left behind

As an aspect of deprivation, ‘Digital Poverty’ and digital exclusion pre-date the coronavirus pandemic. However, the majority of communications moving online due to the Covid-19 lockdown has further highlighted the scale of the digital divide.

Research by the Office of Students suggests more than half of higher education students (56%) lacked access to “appropriate online course materials” during lockdown. 18% were impacted by lack of access to a computer or laptop, and over half of students (52%) were impacted by slow or unreliable internet connections.

Digital poverty is a very real and current problem in the HE sector. As the world post-pandemic will inevitably be more online, increased efforts must be made to ensure that society’s pursuit of a digital future does not widen social mobility gaps.

This ProtectED Reflections event will explore the problems faced by students experiencing ‘Digital Poverty’. Speakers will discuss support available for digitally excluded students; the relevant policies and services institutions currently have in place; and where improvements can be made to better support students' success at university.

This webinar will discuss how the effective management and delivery of security services has changed due to Covid-19 and what impact such changes may have on practice going forward.

We are very pleased to welcome our speakers for this event:

• Lesley O'Keeffe, Registrar at Brunel University London, a ProtectED Founder Member institution, and AMOSSHE Executive Member
• Mhairi Underwood, Head of Student Voice and Diversity at The Student Room Group, the largest online engagement platform for students in the UK.

This event will discuss the impact of digital poverty on student retention, exploring measures that can reduce the risk of students leaving their courses early. Our speakers will also share their thoughts, insights and recommendations for future developments in university support.

We look forward to you joining us.