DIGITAL DIVIDE

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to online learning has revealed a digital divide across the globe. From empty classrooms to canceled activities, at least 1.5 billion students and 63 million teachers have been impacted by the pandemic (UNESCO). In order to provide educational connectivity, schools around the world have transitioned to digital-based learning. While schooling became tethered to radio stations, TV, and computers, many students lack the access to these programs and electricity, ultimately putting many pupils at an extreme disadvantage and at risk of falling behind. Globally, “nearly 826 million students do not have access to a household computer and 43% have no internet access at home” (UNESCO). When looking at lower-income countries in Southeast Asia like China, these disparities are more severe. Between 56 and 80 million people reported lacking internet access or devices in China in 2018 (UNICEF). Similarly, in Sub-Saharan Africa, 89% of learners do not have access to household computers, and 82% lack internet access (UNICEF). For countries like these, virtual learning is nearly impossible to carry out.