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Conquering The Digital Divide With Refurbished Technology
It is clear that technology has become more and more woven into everyday life, on a global scale. A quick look at the data reveals that technology is becoming pervasive across the globe.
Computers and personal technology items are here to stay. And yet, there is still a large gap in access to technology for students, even in the US, where some 90% of households own personal computers. With technology everywhere, it becomes even more important to not leave some students out of the picture. But closing the “digital divide” isn’t as simple as it sounds. It requires new solutions.
Technological Hurdles
The data shows that students without access to technology face significant hurdles to educational success. And it makes sense: how could a student without access to the Internet at home be competitive with one who has had a personal computer from age five? With technology used so much in college education, in the workplace, and in basic services—not having enough experience with computers from a young age leaves students at a significant disadvantage.
The Squeeze
But school districts have limited resources to close the divide. Even though the current administration has pledged to increase access to the Internet, students often lack the hardware devices to take advantage of such access. With technology budgets squeezed, one solution has come to prominence: refurbished technology.
The Refurbished Solution
With refurbished technology, computers that have already been used in a different context (often in corporate environments where computer turnover is rapid and wear is slight) are overhauled and sold to schools at a fraction of the cost. This allows districts to provide more students with computers and work toward conquering the digital divide. No matter how fast the broadband is in a school, if we don’t have a computer for every student, then some students are being left out.
See our free downloadable information sheet for more information about refurbished computers.
A Better Technology Ecology
Refurbished creates a technology ecology that is more sustainable and more accessible. Those who can afford new technology will buy or lease it anyway. When next year’s technology comes out, these off lease or barely used computers are refurbished for districts, families and students who may not be able to afford new computers. This way everyone has access to technology according to their means and needs.
But Is It Reliable?
If you work with a reputable supplier with good credentials and a strong track record, then refurbished technology is just as reliable as new technology. In fact, at Compugen Education, we have a lower return rate for refurbished than our parent company has for new computers! If you still don’t believe it, then let the warranty do the talking. Good suppliers will offer a lifetime warranty on the computer, offering to replace it if anything goes wrong.
Give Compugen Education a call to discuss closing the digital divide in your district. We’re happy to help!
