There are all kinds of ways to examine the digital divide in modern life. Among college students the divide can be seen across age, gender, socioeconomic status, and previous education. One of the more interesting cases of a digital divide is that of a student who has spent their lives on their phone, but cannot understand how to use a computer. That student is often perceived as a digital native, but in truth, they lack even the most basic understanding of file structure and application management.
To cross that divide, care must be taken not to make assumptions about student abilities. Instructions in an online classroom must be explicit where any technology is introduced. A more advanced student can skim such instructions, but the student who needs detailed instructions will have them.
I know experienced students with technological skills who have trouble navigating an unfamiliar platform. When teachers provide an excess of information, nobody loses.
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