Digital Equity and School Leadership in a Post-Digital World

Abstract

Purpose This study analyzes digital equity realities in U.S. K-12 schools and the role that school leadership plays in digital equity. Design/Approach/Methods Based on Selwyn’s conception of technology as three interlocking elements (access, educational practices, and social context), we applied the ideals of equity and social justice to each of the three elements to conceptualize a framework of digital equity, situating school practice in the larger social, cultural, and political context of the United States. Guided by this framework, we conducted a systematic literature review of the current state of digital equity and school leadership in K-12 schools. Findings The findings demonstrate that U.S. K-12 schools face digital inequity issues, including inequitable access to technology, exclusionary and punitive educational practices using technology, and an unjust social context for technology in schools. These findings indicate that school leadership plays an important role in digital inequity. Originality/Value Based on these findings, we present a framework to assist K-12 leaders in enhancing digital equity, including addressing educational inequities and creating an inclusive social context for the school, ensuring equitable accessibility to technology in schools, and supporting teachers in developing meaningful and equitable practices using technology to address the opportunity gaps encountered by marginalized learners.