Final answer:
The digital divide, highlighting disparities in internet access, notably affected African American students during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote learning brought these issues to the forefront.
Step-by-step explanation:
The digital divide, which refers to the disparity in access to internet services, most notably affected African American students during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, the transition to remote learning highlighted the gaps in access to internet and technology. Millions of students who were confined to their homes were divided by their internet access, their familiarity with computer hardware and software, and their ability to solve their own technology issues. Despite governments and educational institutions implementing improvements, many students and instructors struggled with the transition to online education. Additionally, there were challenges related to the qualitative aspects of unplanned remote learning, such as the efficiency of communication through computer screens versus in-person interactions. The pandemic emphasized that the digital divide is not only about access but also about the quality of technology usage that enables empowerment beyond entertainment.