The COVID- crisis has changed many aspects of our lives: the way we work, the way we consume, the way we interact and the way children study and attend school. But the questions are: has technology benefited all students equally? Does the Internet create a digital divide or is it a way to democratize education? In this post we are going to try to answer these questions. According to UNESCO, million boys and girls without school during the pandemic have not had access to computers at home and % do not have internet at home. Another additional problem is that many boys and girls had to travel several kilometers from their home to go somewhere with internet access and attend class. In the case of Sub-Saharan Africa, the data increases since % of students do not have access to a computer and % cannot access the internet.
What is the digital gap
The digital divide is the difference that exists between those who can access and use the Internet and those who cannot. Inequality is manifested in Internet coverage and knowledge of the tool, among other aspects. The digital divide manifests itself Mexico WhatsApp Number Data in many areas such as work, social, academic and leisure. What obstacles do children from families with difficulties face? To better understand the problem it is necessary to see some data. According to the Information Society Measurement Report prepared by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in developed countries % of homes have Internet access, while in developing countries the percentage drops. to %. This means that there is great inequality between developed and developing countries and that boys and girls living in homes with difficulties face several obstacles: – They do not have access to the internet. – When they have access, the devices are few and usually obsolete.
Why does internet use create a digital divide
The Internet is a medium that democratizes education because. Gives access to all types of knowledge at any time and from anywhere. You can see a multitude of educational and quality texts or videos throughout the network. Enhances the skills of boys Kenya Telegram Number and girls in the use of new technologies. The use of the Internet enhances the skills of boys and girls for the future. Since from a young age they become familiar with digital technologies and tools. That turn them into digital natives . – Makes a multitude of opportunities available. The use of the Internet opens the range of job, leisure or educational possibilities, among many other aspects. However, the Internet can also create inequalities for those who. Do not have access to new technologies and, additionally, it can pose a risk, since lack of knowledge. Of new technologies can make boys and girls more vulnerable when it comes to accessing inappropriate content or suffering from cyberbullying, for example.
