Digital divides impede 'edtech' in developing world

Significance

While access to schools has expanded in low- and middle-income countries in recent decades, learning outcomes have not seen a corresponding improvement. The onset of school closures during the pandemic created an unprecedented opportunity to deploy edtech solutions for distance learning.

Impacts

• Infrastructure limitations are matched by lack of familiarity of both learners and teachers on how to make the best use of edtech content.
• A major push for online teaching amid the pandemic risks widening educational gaps between those with and without access.
• Further investment in expanding digital access is critical for taking edtech tools to remote and rural areas in developing countries.