ERIC Number: EJ1459179
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1347-9008
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Digital Divide in the Digital Age: A Qualitative Study of Distance Learners of IGNOU
Asian Journal of Distance Education, v19 n2 p168-186 2024
The digital age has opened up new and exciting opportunities for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in universities. But, is going digital reinforcing the existing social inequalities? This qualitative research examines the three levels of digital divide and digital inequality among learners at India's National Open University, IGNOU. The findings suggest an existence of a basic level of accessibility to both digital devices and internet connection among the learners. However, when considering the quality of access, there is a gap between those with the bare basics, and those with multiple devices and good connectivity. On the face of it, all the learners appear to be frequent and comfortable users of these technologies, but their skills seem to be limited only to technical and operational aspects. When considering skills related to digital information, critical information, social and content creation, it is not as obvious and mostly doubtful. The findings further suggest that most learners' strategy to safeguard from online harm are limited to protecting devices from viruses and financial scams. There is uncertainty regarding avoiding harm from a personal safety, security, wellbeing, and mental health point of view.
Descriptors: Distance Education, Open Education, Open Universities, Social Justice, Indians, Foreign Countries, Access to Computers, Disadvantaged, Access to Internet, Technological Literacy, Computer Security, Skill Development, Student Attitudes, English, Indo European Languages, Student Characteristics, Handheld Devices, Telecommunications, College Students, Influence of Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Digital Literacy
Asian Society of Open and Distance Education. 80-4 Minou Yamamoto Machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka, 839-0826, Japan. e-mail: editor@asianjde.org; Web site: http://asianjde.com/ojs/index.php/AsianJDE
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: India
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A