Examining the Impact of Digital Learning on Minoritized and Poverty-Affected College Students

The higher education system shows persistent gaps in student outcomes across multiple measures for historically minoritized students and students from low-income backgrounds. Join us on a journey as we examine the impact of digital learning on minoritized and poverty-affected college students. This session highlights the results of a literature and research review assessing the effectiveness of digital learning in decreasing equity gaps as well as the impact digital learning has on specific student populations: those who identify as Black, Latino, and Indigenous; students from low-income backgrounds; and first-generation students. Each student has distinct needs: individualized instruction through digital tools can improve their academic achievements. Much of their success is dependent on equitable, evidence-based teaching practices.

Session Outcomes/Takeaways: 

• Gain an understanding of the literature and research on the effect of digital learning on two main categories of impactful practices: pedagogy and technology.
• Examine the data collection on primary metrics used to measure student achievement in common higher-education key performance indicators (KPIs): pass rates, retention rates, progression rates, graduation rates, and student survey data.
• Explore the question: Does digital learning support racially minoritized and poverty-affected populations enough to create a level playing field for college students of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds?