Addressing Digital Equity and Digital Inclusion for Underrepresented Students through No-Code/ Low Code Platforms

Carlos Balam Kuk Solís, Ph.D., Associate VP, Technology Innovation, Texas State University

Carlos Balam Kuk Solís, Ph.D., Associate VP, Technology Innovation, Texas State University

The digital revolution has transformed the way we live, work, and learn. As technology continues to shape the modern world, it is crucial to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or previous experiences, have equal access to the digital ecosystem. Texas State University has taken an innovative step in this direction by embracing no-code/low-code platforms, not just as a tool for workplace innovation, but to create opportunities for students to acquire digital skills that will impact their future, regardless of the careers they pursue. Low-code/no-code platforms offer an unprecedented opportunity for underrepresented students to acquire digital skills and engage in the rapidly evolving tech industry. Here I explore how the adoption of no-code/low-code platforms by universities can create avenues for underrepresented students to bridge the digital divide and unleash their full potential.

Digital skills have become essential in today's job market, transcending industry boundaries. Historically, underrepresented students, such as individuals from minority communities or low-income backgrounds, have faced barriers to enter technology fields, or have had difficulty advancing in jobs that require digital skills. Limited access to resources, lack of exposure, and the absence of role models have contributed to this disparity.

For quite some time, large efforts have been made to advance digital equity and digital inclusion by engaging students at a very young age through coding camps. While these initiatives have had a significant effect in the lives of many, they have left others behind as they do not see themselves as capable of learning how to code. Other segments of the population, while being willing don’t have the time necessary to acquire coding skills. Still some others do not see the relevance of these skills in their workplace or do not appreciate the impact digital skills can have in career advancement.

However, the emergence of no-code/low-code platforms present a game-changing opportunity. By offering intuitive interfaces and pre-built components, these platforms enable students to develop applications and digital solutions without needing to write complex code. No-code/low-code platforms provide a creative playground for underrepresented students to explore their ideas and bring them to life. By removing the coding complexities, these platforms allow students to unleash their creativity and think critically about problem-solving. Students can prototype and iterate their digital solutions rapidly, gaining confidence and practical experience along the way. Moreover, the accessibility of these platforms encourages students to experiment with new technologies and tools, fostering innovation and enabling them to tackle real-world challenges.

“By offering intuitive interfaces and pre-built components, these platforms enable students to develop applications and digital solutions without needing to write complex code.”

A university-wide adoption of no-code/low-code platforms across the whole institution empowers underrepresented students by providing them with a leveled playing field. These platforms eliminate the requirement for extensive coding knowledge and programming expertise, allowing students to focus on creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. This shift in emphasis from coding to critical thinking broadens the scope of participation and encourages diverse voices to contribute to the digital ecosystem.

Equipping underrepresented students with digital skills through no-code/low-code platforms has significant implications for their future careers. As the demand for digital skills continues to grow across industries, students who have developed proficiency in these platforms are well-positioned to thrive. They can leverage their newfound abilities to pursue careers in web development, app design, user experience (UX) design, and entrepreneurship, among others. No-code/low-code platforms serve as a stepping stone to build a solid foundation of technical skills, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Furthermore, the use of no-code/low-code platforms fosters innovation by democratizing the development process. Students from non-technical backgrounds can collaborate with their peers who possess coding expertise, leveraging their unique insights to develop innovative digital solutions. The synergy of different skill sets and perspectives generates fresh ideas and breakthroughs that might not have emerged in traditional coding environments alone.

However, the availability of tools does not guarantee that students will gain awareness, or that faculty will incorporate the use of these tools in academic activities. To succeed in this effort, it is essential to dedicate the human resources necessary to drive a robust adoption effort. In addition, opportunities must be created for students to experience these low-code/no-code development outside of the traditional classroom and curricular settings. In order to advance in this area, the institution needs to develop solid and strategic relationships between the university and platform providers.

Engagements inside of institutions should include the development and implementation of a custom adoption framework based on the current institutional attitudes towards low-code/no-code platforms with a stated vision of the value that will be created for student success and for the university. As part of the adoption framework, it is essential to identify and include subject matter experts, early adopters, champions, and stakeholders from all affected areas. Internal marketing efforts and continuous engagement through workshops, presentations, and recognition of adopters that make a difference in student engagement through no-code/low-code platforms are essential to drive a change in vision and practice. Finally, the development of vendor partnerships is a key component to success. The importance of the latter is key to a successful transformation. Academic institutions do not operate like traditional enterprises. While technology vendors often approach universities from the business enterprise perspective, the education side of academia extends beyond the walls of the organization. Universities engage with the community in efforts to attract future students, and universities are also interested in continuing that engagement after graduation, while also reaching out to the community as an agent for local development. In the case of low-code/no-code platforms extending the availability of services outside of the university walls can have a profound impact in our communities. The development of creative licensing and access to tools beyond business oriented financial models can extend the digital transformation potential of low-code/no-code. -Let’s sit down and have a sincere conversation.