Tony Bates writes that many people have been writing that the sudden shift to online learning has disadvantaged a number of underserved populations. The use of technology, he says, "can easily increase existing inequalities, and this is a real danger of just moving everything online without considering the full implications." Agreed. But the move online was the right one, because completely shutting down all education would have been irresponsible. However, he says, "Institutions and school boards need to develop back-up strategies for students who will have difficulties, either because of where they live or because they are in at risk groups for online learning." Again, agreed. It would have been nice had these back-up strategies been in place long before now, and provision made to ensure everyone in society benefits from education and technology, but I for one applaud our community's newly-renewed concern for the poor, the remote, the disconnected, and the disadvantaged.
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