With advancements and improvements in technology, having access to a computer of some sort is considered common-place and even a basic need. Especially during this COVID-19 pandemic when workplaces and classrooms have quickly shifted to online platforms. You need to have a computer, it is a necessity to complete daily work now, whether it be school work or business. And even more so now, as a student, you need to have a computer as well as a web-camera and a microphone to participate in zoom classes and meetings as that is a requirement set out by many professors and institutions. What many people fail to realize, I believe, is that not everyone and not every student can afford such luxuries. These may not seem like luxuries to some, but to those that are not as financially well-off, it is a luxury. So what do you do when a luxury becomes a necessity and you cannot afford it? This was an issue for me and a barrier that I have faced in pursuit of my academic success. I had a very old computer that I had been using for years, I did not have a proper web-camera or microphone to participate in zoom classes and that made life difficult for me but also made me feel excluded from my peers and professors. However, fortunately for me, I found a solution (explained in the next section).

Fortunately for me, around the same time that all classes shifted to an online format, there was a new remote learning initiative where students in need could apply for a free Chromebook that had a web-camera and microphone built-in because in today’s world “not having the correct technology can directly translate to not having access to a quality education” as said by a director of Philanthropy at Trent University. So these Chromebooks would come with the required software and hardware for remote learning. I applied for one and based on financial need, I was able to get myself a Chromebook which I can now use for my online learning.

My advice to anyone facing a similar issue would be to reach out and see what kind of initiatives are available for students who have these accessibility to technology issues. If it is a financial concern, reach out to your financial aid office, see if there are any bursaries available for students in need because we all need a little help sometimes. Talk to guidance at your school and do not feel embarrassed, I know for many people they might feel embarrassed that they do not have the financial means to afford the technology required for learning in today’s world and especially if you see your peers that are well-off with expensive MacBooks’ and whatnot while you don’t have that, it can make you feel excluded from your peers, I get that. But I want to assure you, you are not alone. Financial barriers are a real issue that many students face but I feel that it is not talked about a lot so I am grateful for this platform and this opportunity to share my story and hopefully bring a little more attention to the issue. The truth is that no student should be left behind or excluded based on how much they have in their bank account.

Tabassum, F. (2021, October 7). Technology and Affordability for Impoverished Students. Liberated Learners. https://wicked.liberatedlearner.ca/technologist/technology-and-affordability-for-impoverished-students/