Infrastructure in Inclusive Technology Systems

Building and sustaining a robust infrastructure requires serious attention to the hardware, software, and connectivity that are chosen and used across the district to ensure that technology is usable by the broadest range of learners. Inclusive, collaborative technology planning is critical to support this work. Learn more via the CITES Leadership resources. 

A robust infrastructure requires attention to the hardware, software, and connectivity that are selected and used across the district to ensure the technology is usable by the broadest range of learners. Overcoming the digital access divide is critical to building inclusive technology ecosystems. The digital access divide is defined as providing equitable access to reliable, high-speed connectivity, hardware, and digital resources. Accessibility and digital health, safety, and citizenship are also key to closing the access divide (NETP 2024).

Practices to support inclusive infrastructure include:

• Personalize learning devices.
• Unify inclusive technology decision-making.
• Integrate accessible educational technology systems.
• Ensure student privacy & secure inclusive practices.
• Engage families in infrastructure.

Ubiquitous Connectivity

CITES recognizes how access to seamless, high-speed broadband on and off campus serves as a vital component of K-12 school infrastructure. Insufficient home access is problematic for students as expectations for homework, online learning, and school communications typically require broadband access. There are a variety of organizations with expertise in this field as well as federal and public programs that address this issue. Therefore, the CITES infrastructure framework does not include specific practices related to ubiquitous connectivity. However, it does acknowledge the critical need.

To learn more or offer support, visit:

• ConnectK12 
• Federal Affordable Connectivity Program 
• SETDA Broadband Imperative, and 
• CoSN Home Connectivity Study