ERIC Number: EJ1456587
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0973-2217
EISSN: EISSN-2230-7133
Education for All: Addressing the Digital Divide and Socioeconomic Disparities in Modern Schools
Puja Tripathi
Journal on School Educational Technology, v20 n2 p31-42 2024
This study examines the digital divide and socioeconomic disparities that hinder equitable access to quality education in modern schools. This study highlights how unequal access to technology and the internet disproportionately affects students from low-income families, exacerbating existing educational inequalities. This paper defines the digital divide in a historical context, supported by statistics demonstrating significant gaps in technology access among various socioeconomic groups. It further analyzes the implications of income inequality on educational opportunities and academic performance. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these disparities, forcing many students into remote learning environments without adequate resources. Through a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to explore students' experiences and engagement levels in remote learning, revealing that 70% of low-income students reported disengagement due to a lack of motivation and inadequate support. The findings indicate that students with consistent access to technology scored, on average, 15% higher in standardized assessments, underscoring the critical role of technology in academic achievement. This study concludes with actionable recommendations for schools and policymakers, including increased funding for low-income schools, the development of digital literacy training programs, and fostering community partnerships.
Descriptors: Access to Computers, Disadvantaged, Socioeconomic Status, Equal Education, Educational Quality, Time Perspective, Achievement Gap, COVID-19, Pandemics, Student Experience, Distance Education, Learner Engagement, Student Attitudes, Student Motivation, Pupil Personnel Services, Barriers, High School Students, High School Teachers, Parents, Teacher Attitudes, Parent Attitudes, Socioeconomic Influences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: Administrators; Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A