The phenomenon of the "opportunity gap” is a persistent challenge in the world of education. Data consistently shows achievement disparities between low-income students and their wealthier peers.
Within the broader conversation about the opportunity gap, it is important to note that students do not bear the responsibility for this challenge. Instead, these disparities in academic achievement are, in large part, driven by disparities in opportunities. These gaps are especially pronounced in the STEM field. Students who enroll in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in high school are three times more likely to meet college readiness standards for science compared with those who complete fewer science courses.
Unfortunately, students from lower-income backgrounds are significantly less likely to enroll in more rigorous STEM courses in high school. More limited experience and, in many instances, access to higher-level courses puts low-income students at a disadvantage from the very beginning.
Tech tools and platforms can help students and teachers address many of the inequities we see in STEM learning. In this post, we’ll look at some of the ways digital learning can be used to support students from traditionally disadvantaged backgrounds and level the playing field in STEM education.
How digital learning helps increase fairness in STEM
Access resources from anywhere
Digital tools allow students to learn outside the classroom. They can access resources, guide their own study, and even connect with tutors from their own digital devices.
This means student learning isn’t confined to the strictly defined hours and environment of the school day. Students can bolster their classroom education with new resources, tools, and even new teachers.
Students can take control of their own learning
Digital learning platforms allow students to take a proactive approach to their education. They can return to challenging topics outside of school hours and independently pursue subjects that interest them.
Digital learners can supplement their existing classroom curriculum with their own more focused study, honing in on areas they like or want to devote more time to.
Access new teachers and tutors
Digital platforms like Yup allow students to connect with new tutors and teachers in their own time. This has numerous benefits: students get one-to-one attention, can pick a teacher that specializes in their chosen area, and benefit from a range of teaching styles.
Personalized and tailored to student’s needs
One of the challenges with classroom-based learning is that the teacher has to adapt their style and subject matter to a large number of students. While teachers typically do an incredible job in this area, digital learning can help students access a new level of personalized learning.
With digital learning students can learn in a one-on-one setting and benefit from tailored teaching that attends to their own specific needs, strengths, weaknesses, and preferred learning style.
At Yup, we believe digital learning has the potential to shape the future of education and provide an opportunity for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to get ahead. Making digital tools accessible and equitable will be a large part in closing the mathematics opportunity gap. We’re proud to offer 24/7, unlimited, accessible math tutoring.
To learn more about us and how our platform works, schedule a demo.
