The novel coronavirus pandemic is requiring many people to work or study from home, which means that internet connectivity has become a paramount issue in the daily lives of millions of people around the world. John H. Chestnut Professor of Law, Communication, and Computer & Information Science Christopher Yoo explains how the current pandemic brought issues of internet connectivity to the forefront.
“The coronavirus pandemic is forcing all countries—rich and poor, developed and developing—to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. As workplaces close and governments encourage people to stay at home, access to the internet can make a life-or-death difference, simultaneously providing opportunities and challenges,” Yoo says.
The shift to online learning further exposes gaps in internet connectivity.
“Nearly 90% of the world’s children are out of school. Even in developed countries, educators are struggling to shift to online education,” he says. “The pandemic has underscored the need for widespread connectivity to schools and homes.
“A better understanding of the constraints that exist, greater investment in connectivity, and better planning for distance learning can help address current needs and improve education in the future.”
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