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Rethinking the digital divide and associated educational in(equity) in higher education in the context of developing countries: the social justice perspective

Yalalem Assefa, Melaku Mengistu Gebremeskel, Bekalu Tadesse Moges, Shouket Ahmad Tilwani, Yibeltal Aemiro Azmera

International Journal of Information and Learning Technology

ISSN: 2056-4880

Article publication date: 11 December 2024

Issue publication date: 22 January 2025

84

Abstract

Purpose

In today’s educational landscape, technology has become an undeniable force in shaping pedagogical approaches and even the definition of learning itself. But this path contains many obstacles. Within the higher education ecosystem, the digital divide – the disparity in access and use of technology – is proving to be a significant barrier for educational institutions, particularly in developing countries. Hence, the current study attempts to understand the digital divide and its associated consequence on educational in(equity) in higher education, particularly within the context of developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic review methodological approach, this study illuminates the complex dimensions of the digital divide and its associated educational impact in higher education based on the social justice theoretical perspective.

Findings

Key findings of the study show that the affordability of digital devices, infrastructure limitations and limited digital literacy are the main drivers of the digital divide. It has also been understood that the digital gap impairs teachers’ pedagogical approaches; thereby, this has a detrimental consequence on students’ learning engagement and academic achievement. More severely, the digital divide exacerbates existing educational disparities disproportionately, impacting students particularly from marginalized communities that already face automated inequality.

Originality/value

The study makes some encouraging recommendations for interventions to close the digital divide and reduce its effects on education. These include the implementing of initiatives that minimize access to and use of digital gaps; establishing long-term infrastructure investments to address connectivity issues; and creating adaptable support systems to deal with technical issues. By applying these and related approaches, higher education can bridge the digital divide and promote fair and inclusive learning opportunities, ultimately leading to equitable learning environments for all.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Funding: This study is supported via funding from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University project number (PSAU/2024/R/1445).

Citation

Assefa, Y., Gebremeskel, M.M., Moges, B.T., Tilwani, S.A. and Azmera, Y.A. (2025), "Rethinking the digital divide and associated educational in(equity) in higher education in the context of developing countries: the social justice perspective", International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 42 No. 1, pp. 15-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-03-2024-0058

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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