4 Ways The Digital Divide Affects Education

The integration of Information Technology in learning has extremely altered how society is shaped particularly to those that can access the services. On the other hand, individuals that lack access to these devices, get left behind, and this leads to a new classification in the society whereby, those that have full access to latest devices and technology have new and more exciting ideas while those that lack stay familiar to the old and out-of-date ideas. Effects of the digital divide are felt in all areas of life, and we should ask how does the digital divide affect education.

1. Lack Of Use Of Full Potential resulting to low performance

When it comes to accessing information that is essential in improving their education and developing inventive ideas people that come from low-income families are very limited since they cannot afford the cost of internet connectivity. As a result, a majority of learners that in underdeveloped countries do not do programmes that include thorough research and only do those that are theoretic.

Students will either perform poorly or escape from doing courses that require much involvement because of being disheartened by the limited range of information offered to these students.

2. Unfair Competitive Advantage

At the moment, a majority of tertiary institutions nationwide mostly avail or post activities such as assignments and other learning materials online, this causes a disadvantage to the underprivileged students giving unfair competitive power to students that can easily gain access or more privileged.

For example, in instances where the student progression system is completed online, the disadvantaged students will not be able to monitor their progress and plan therefore being less motivated to continue. Poor individual will continue to stay deprived of important information that is only available online regarding academic, which is why they will always be behind the pack, and all this will lead to poor performance.

3. Improved Accessibility In Learning

An individual can now learns from the comfort of their own home when enrolled on a distance learning programme, and it is all thanks to the incorporation of technology in education. The privileged are set to succeed because they have access to all the necessary technology to support this kind of development, while the less privileged are left with a lot of obstacles in their attempts to receive quality education, and they might even have to travel far to receive this kind of education.

4. Difference In Learning Experience

Individuals from lower economic classes are underprivileged and have to endure extensive hours of burdensome schoolwork in order to meet course objectives, while the advantaged can access learning materials easily online and work on their courses much quicker.

How Can We Help Mend The Digital Divide In Education?

Seeing the crucial role that ICT plays in schools, countries nationwide are having a hard time bridging the digital divide gap in guaranteeing actual equal opportunity in education. Admirable attempts to mending the gap are now increased worldwide, and it is not just about providing devices. Endorsing digital literacy through promotions, partnering with successful organizations and strong networking; are some of the vital assistants in mending the digital divide. Mending the digital gap in education is an ongoing and pricey process that is essential for development.