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Advancing Digital Opportunity: A Higher Education Toolkit

Conduct Needs Assessment

In addition to conducting research on how the digital divide impacts Louisiana’s residents and communities, it is crucial for higher education institutions to gather baseline data from campus stakeholders (students, faculty, and staff) to better inform digital opportunity initiatives. General research tools and methodologies include:

Surveys and Assessments: Designed to gather data on access to the internet and devices, usage patterns, and digital literacy proficiency levels among students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Focus Groups and Interviews: Capture diverse perspectives, experiences, and insights related to digital opportunity within the campus community.

Data Analytics Platforms and Visualization Tools: Analyze and interpret research findings to inform strategic decision-making and intervention planning.

Participatory Research Approaches: Engage stakeholders in the co-creation and evaluation of digital opportunity initiatives, ensuring representation and inclusivity in research processes.

Questions to Consider

Some questions to consider during the research stage include:

  • What data currently exist to reflect the digital opportunity barriers faced by each stakeholder group and covered population?
  • What data are needed to accurately or more completely reflect how stakeholders are affected by the digital divide?
  • Where are the gaps in data?
  • What data needs to be collected for each stakeholder?
  • Where is further research needed?
  • Which research methods and tools will be most effective in gathering relevant data to understand the impacts of the digital divide on students, faculty, staff, and community members?
  • How will research efforts be tailored to capture the unique needs, challenges, and experiences of different stakeholder groups within the institution and across the surrounding communities?
  • What ethical considerations must be addressed in conducting research on the digital divide within the institutional environment and the surrounding communities, particularly regarding data privacy and confidentiality?
  • How will research findings be disseminated and communicated to inform decision-making, drive policy changes, and advocate for digital opportunity initiatives within the institution and across its broader community?

Internet Access and Affordability

  • What percentage of students, faculty, staff, and community members have reliable and high-speed internet access both on campus and at home?
  • What are the primary barriers to accessing affordable internet services for students, faculty, staff, and community members (e.g., cost, availability in their area)?
  • How do internet access issues impact the ability of students, faculty, staff, and community members to participate fully in academic, professional, and everyday activities?
    • What does internet access look like for incarcerated students, given firewalls and other restrictions?

Device Access

  • Do all students, faculty, staff, and community members have access to a laptop or other appropriate devices that meet their academic, professional, and personal needs?
  • What constitutes an appropriate device for each stakeholder group, considering their specific tasks and needs?
  • How do we define "access" to devices?
    • For example, do students, faculty, staff, and community members own a laptop, have access to a loaner program, or utilize campus or community computer labs?
    • For incarcerated students, how often can they access devices?

Digital Skills

  • What are the current digital skill levels among students, faculty, staff, and community members, and where are the most significant gaps?
  • How proficient are various stakeholder groups in using essential digital tools and technologies?
  • What types of digital skills training or resources do stakeholders feel would most benefit them in their academic, professional, and personal lives?
  • How do digital skill levels affect the ability of students, faculty, staff, and community members to utilize available digital resources and technologies effectively?

Digital Accessibility

  • What barriers do students, faculty, staff, and community members with disabilities face when accessing digital resources, tools, or services?
  • Are the digital tools and resources provided by the institution accessible to all users, including those with disabilities?
  • What assistive technologies or accommodations are most needed to ensure equal access for all stakeholders?

Digital Privacy and Internet Safety

  • How aware are students, faculty, staff, and community members of best practices for digital privacy and internet safety?
  • What resources or training do stakeholders need to better protect their personal information and ensure online safety?
  • How frequently do stakeholders experience issues related to digital privacy or security, and what support systems are in place to address these concerns?

Recommended Strategies

  • Survey all students, especially incoming students, to get a baseline understanding of broadband access, device ownership, and digital skills. Repeat the survey either annually or when appropriate to evaluate progress.
  • Survey faculty and staff to determine where professional development and/or digital upskilling is needed.
  • Ensure that research efforts are aligned with the overarching goals and priorities of digital opportunity initiatives on campus, with a focus on understanding and addressing the impact of the digital divide.
  • Foster collaboration and engagement with diverse campus stakeholders throughout the research process to promote inclusivity and representation in data collection and analysis.
  • Employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods to capture both quantitative data metrics and nuanced qualitative insights into the experiences of stakeholders.
  • Translate research findings into actionable recommendations and evidence-based strategies to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of digital opportunity programs and initiatives within the institutions and across the surrounding communities.

 

Survey Instruments

Specific tools for conducting research and needs assessments (on internet adoption, access, or digital skills) include: