On their web site, Mark Quattrocchi explains the why of their donations of internet hot spots to rural and unconnected students in Sonoma County. This effort is also written up in the Press Democrat on May 2, 2020. We all need a feel good moment every once in a while.
My husband teaches community college. When all the schools transitioned to online learning this spring, he had no problem filling online classes with students who were willing and able to sign up, but we know that there are some students who might have missed out completely, due to issues with technological access and/or finances. This is one of many reasons why online learning should never entirely replace face-to-face learning in a traditional classroom, even though it’s the best we can do for now in the age of social distancing.
It is my hope that the current pandemic crisis will push governments to work harder to democratize access to the Internet for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances and location.