Speaker
Description
Iweh, J. P.
College of Education, Afaha nsit
iwehjerry@gmail.com
Track: Digital Transformation in Higher Education
The digital divide continues to undermine efforts to achieve equitable education, particularly for marginalized learners in low-resource contexts. Bridging this divide is essential for promoting inclusive education aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4. This study examines strategies for bridging the digital divide and their impact on promoting inclusive education in higher and basic education institutions. Employing a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 500 students and 60 educators across urban and rural institutions through surveys, and from 15 key stakeholders via in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using t-tests and regression analysis to assess the relationship between digital access and learning outcomes, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that limited internet connectivity, lack of digital devices, and low digital literacy are primary drivers of exclusion. However, targeted interventions such as device provision programs, offline digital content, and teacher training in accessible pedagogy significantly improved participation and learning outcomes for students with disabilities, low-income learners, and rural populations. The study concludes that bridging the digital divide requires multi-stakeholder action combining infrastructure investment, inclusive technology design, and capacity building. Recommendations include policy reforms for universal digital access, adoption of universal design for learning, and public-private partnerships to scale inclusive digital education.
Keywords: digital divide, inclusive education, educational technology, accessibility, equity, SDG 4