The Internet has made the world smaller by introducing people from all over the globe to opportunities, people, places, and ideas they might not have otherwise known about. That expanded worldwide access has benefits and drawbacks. More options are available to those who have reliable internet connectivity at home. This course will explore the possibility of participating in a society limited to people without a dependable internet connection or internet access.

It starts by illustrating the critical role of the Internet in modern society and how COVID-19 has accelerated online dependency. Historical context and the growth of Internet access worldwide will be comprehended. You will understand infrastructure, geography, Internet development, and numerous government Internet funding initiatives in Alberta. How that affects K–12 students’ education and equal opportunity for all to receive a quality education will be discussed through consequentialist and deontological perspectives.

The following section will teach you about the risks and challenges accompanying Internet access for many purposes. It will start with exposing risks related to privacy, data security, and informed consent, followed by effects on educational integrity, autonomy and independence. Also, the ways to mitigate those challenges will be comprehended. The final section will explain how to propose ways to ensure equitable internet access for all K–12 students and formulate collaborative and innovative strategies to improve broadband connectivity.