Technology and Accessibility Barriers in Virtual Practicums

Remote practicums are often presented as more accessible than in-person experiences, eliminating commuting costs and geographic constraints. This framing ignores a fundamental reality: successful remote work requires technology infrastructure that not all students have. Reliable high-speed internet, appropriate computer hardware, necessary software, and a suitable workspace are prerequisites for virtual practicums. Students without these resources face significant barriers that can undermine their entire experience.

The Hidden Technology Requirements

Remote practicums typically assume you have consistent access to a computer with a functioning camera and microphone for video calls, internet connection fast enough to support video conferencing without freezing or dropping, software required by the organization such as Microsoft Office, statistical programs, or specialized platforms, a quiet space where you can take calls and focus on work, and electricity reliable enough to keep you connected throughout the workday.

For students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, students in rural areas with limited internet infrastructure, students with unstable housing situations, and students sharing space and equipment with family members, these assumptions may not hold. The gap between what remote work requires and what some students can access creates an inequity that mirrors and reinforces broader disparities.

Common Challenges Students Face

Internet connectivity issues are among the most frequent problems. If your home internet is slow or unreliable, video calls become frustrating for everyone involved. You may appear unprofessional due to constant freezing, miss important information when your connection drops, or be unable to participate fully in virtual meetings. In some areas, home internet options are limited and expensive, putting adequate connectivity out of reach.

Hardware limitations present another barrier. An aging laptop may struggle with video conferencing software, multiple applications, or the demands of data analysis. Lack of a webcam or working microphone can exclude you from visual participation in meetings. Small screens make it difficult to work with complex documents or multiple windows simultaneously.

Workspace challenges affect many students. Working from a bedroom shared with family members, a noisy apartment, or a home without reliable climate control is not comparable to having a dedicated home office. Background distractions, lack of privacy for sensitive conversations, and general discomfort undermine productivity and professionalism.

Advocating for the Resources You Need

If technology barriers are affecting your practicum, the first step is clearly identifying what you need. Be specific about whether the issue is hardware, connectivity, software, workspace, or some combination. This clarity helps when you seek support.

Talk to your program about available resources. Many universities expanded technology support during the shift to remote learning, including laptop lending programs, internet hotspot devices, software licenses, and emergency funds for technology needs. Your program may have resources specifically designated for practicum students or may be able to direct you to broader campus support.

Communicate with your practicum site about your constraints. Many organizations can provide more flexibility than you might assume. Perhaps meetings could be audio-only to reduce bandwidth requirements. Perhaps deadlines could accommodate times when you have better connectivity. Perhaps certain software could be accessed through web versions rather than installed applications. Organizations may also have equipment they can lend to practicum students.

Developing Contingency Plans

Even with good technology, problems occur. Developing backup plans prevents minor technical issues from becoming major disruptions.

Identify alternative locations where you can work when home is not viable. Public libraries often have reliable internet, private study rooms, and computers you can use. Campus facilities may be available even if your classes are online. Coffee shops or coworking spaces can serve as backups for important meetings.

Save important work frequently and in multiple locations. Cloud storage protects against computer failures, but also keep local copies in case internet access is disrupted. Know how to access your work from different devices if your primary computer becomes unavailable.

Have communication backup plans with your preceptor. If your internet drops during a call, what should you do? Perhaps you call back from your phone, or send an email with what you wanted to say, or reschedule for a time when you can get to a more reliable location. Agreeing on these protocols in advance reduces stress when problems occur.

Addressing Workspace Challenges

Creating a functional workspace in a less-than-ideal living situation requires creativity. If you lack a dedicated office, establish a consistent spot where you work, even if it is a kitchen table or corner of a bedroom. Consistency helps signal to yourself and others that you are in work mode.

Invest in small items that improve your workspace if you can. A pair of headphones with a microphone improves call quality and helps you focus. A laptop stand brings your screen to eye level. Even a simple room divider or curtain can create visual separation from distractions.

Communicate boundaries with people you live with during your work hours. Explaining your schedule and asking for quiet during important calls reduces interruptions. If you have caregiving responsibilities, build your work schedule around times when you have support or when dependents are occupied.

Reframing Technology Struggles

Navigating technology barriers is frustrating, but the skills you develop, including resourcefulness, advocacy, contingency planning, and working within constraints, are valuable professionally. Many public health settings, particularly those serving underresourced communities, involve working with imperfect technology and infrastructure. Your experience managing these challenges during your practicum is directly applicable to your future work.

Document the barriers you face and how you address them. This information can help your program understand what support students need and improve resources for future cohorts. Your struggles can contribute to systemic improvements that benefit others.