Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

What is digital inclusion?

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can identify factors that affect access to the digital world.

Key learning points

  1. Digital inclusion means ensuring equality of access to digital tools.
  2. Digital exclusion happens when people cannot fully participate in the digital world.
  3. The digital divide describes the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not.
  4. Access to devices, internet connection, affordability, location and digital skills all affect digital inclusion.

Keywords

  • Inclusion - ensuring everyone can take part

  • Digital divide - the difference between those who have access to digital devices and tools and those who do not

  • Connectivity - being able to connect to a network, especially the internet

Common misconception

Having internet access is not very important for participating fully in society.

Many essential services, such as education, healthcare appointments, job applications and banking, are now online.

Teacher tip

This lesson contains a number of opportunities for classroom discussion. Perhaps use a think, pair, share approach to encourage pupils to engage in the discussion.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the internet?

a type of computer
a social media app
Correct answer: a global network that connects computers and devices

Q2.
What does “access” mean?

Correct answer: to have the ability to use or obtain something
to block something
to delete something

Q3.
Why do people use the internet in everyday life?

only for playing games
Correct answer: to access services like education, banking, shopping and communication
to avoid speaking to others

Q4.
A laptop, tablet or smartphone is an example of a digital .

Correct Answer: device

Q5.
means making sure everyone can take part and is not left out.

Correct Answer: Inclusion

Q6.
What is the most likely effect of lacking digital skills?

free access to devices
improved job opportunities
Correct answer: difficulty completing online forms

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following best describes digital inclusion?

spending too much time online
using social media safely
banning smartphones in school
Correct answer: making sure everyone has access to devices and internet connectivity

Q2.
The digital describes the gap between those who have access to digital devices and those who do not.

Correct Answer: divide

Q3.
Why might people living in rural areas experience digital exclusion?

rural areas do not need the internet
Correct answer: rural areas often have slower or less reliable internet connectivity
all rural areas have free high-speed Wi-Fi

Q4.
Alex does not have internet access at home. What might Alex find difficult?

walking to school
charging a smartphone
Correct answer: completing homework that requires online research
Correct answer: talking to friends who use online messaging

Q5.
Which of the following are factors that affect access to digital tools and devices?

Correct answer: affordability
favourite subject
average school grade
Correct answer: location

Q6.
Laura shares one smartphone with three siblings and only gets limited time online. Which factor is mainly affecting Laura’s access?

location
age
confidence
Correct answer: affordability

To help you plan your 9 digital literacy lesson on: What is digital inclusion?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...