The Impact of Digital Divide in Educational Sector

 Covid -19 has disrupted the economy. Nationwide lockdown had been imposed to combat the pandemic. Since march 2020,the covid -19 pandemic learning to a screeching halt worldwide creating the most severe global education disruption in history. Half of the world's student population is still affected by full or partial school. UNESCO data showed over 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries were out of school. 

 There has been a sea change in teaching learning process. The chalk and blackboard has been replaced with computer screen or mobile phones . However, there has been a huge digital divide and some even face digital illiteracy.

First question, which I wanna bring to limelight is that, "Can the internet ever replace physical schooling? And what impact will remote schooling have on educational trajectories."

It is a supplement to classroom teaching and not a substitute to in- person teaching. The virtual classroom cannot replace the traditional classroom because it is by its very essence or nature is not completely 'real'.  Teaching on internet is teaching on virtual reality, and but not in reality. The last one year has shown that remote schooling using technology is neither sustainable nor desirable. Meaningful education cannot happen remotely, particularly at school level. Research has emerged from around the world which indicates remote schooling have impacted learning negatively.

Secondly, I would like to express my views about students who do not have access to technology. Data from the NSSO( National Sample Survey Office) 75th round presents digital  divide sparky less than 5% of rural households have computers. The number barely touches to 25 % in urban areas . Hence, even among urban dwellers majority don't have computer that means their digital access is only mobile phones. The most recent study by Mc Kinsey states that "Teachers in high poverty schools found that virtual classes to be ineffective bolstering concerns that the pandemic has exacerbated education inequalities." Meanwhile, children on the other end of the spectrum, with full access to technology are being pushed towards too much screen time without any thought for repercussions. This has an adverse impact on the health or development of social skills among students. 

Thirdly, I would like to trigger you by saying that this pandemic has increased school dropouts. Education of over 154 crore  students has been disrupted globally after schools' were abruptly shut down due to the pandemic, according to UNESCO . In   India, several experts have voiced their concerns over rise in drop out rates in schools as new socio- economic dynamic forms in post Covid -19. Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia stated that, "Around 15% students enrolled in Delhi government schools have been missing from the alternative classes conducted online or through phones."  There are around 15 lakh students enrolled in over 1100 Delhi government schools. Some students are not attending the classes,  the reason is due to lack of smart phones as they are stuck in situations of dire poverty. Children are pushed into menial jobs to earn a few extra rupees or forced into farm labour. Children are  pushed into child marriages and child trafficking cases have been too reported across the country. 

Last but not the least, I would like to capture a famous quote by saying that, "Internet is not a luxury it is a necessity."  

I also firmly believe, soon the digital divide will not be between haves and have nots, it will be between the knows how's and not known how's. 

Thus, there are four principles recognised as possible solutions. They are: economic equality, social mobility, economic growth and democratic organisation. Equal access to internet go hand-in-hand with equal economic and social condition that countries must ensure to citizens. Let self -realization dawn upon each one of us. Finally, I would like to register in all your minds that, "Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you, but to make you  realise the hidden solution." 

Safa Salsabeel Z