Digital Divide and Educational Inequality: A Post-Pandemic Study of Online Learning in Rural and Urban Pakistan
Keywords:
Digital divide, educational inequality, online learning, rural education, digital accessAbstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to online education worldwide, exposing and amplifying existing disparities in access to digital technology and educational resources.
Objective: This study explores the digital divide and its impact on educational inequality between rural and urban students in Pakistan during the post-pandemic era.
Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 400 students through surveys and interviews to assess differences in digital device access, internet connectivity, online learning participation, academic performance, and psychological well-being.
Results: Results indicate a significant gap, with urban students having greater access to technology and experiencing better academic engagement and motivation compared to rural students, who face infrastructural challenges and social barriers. Additionally, rural students reported higher levels of stress and educational disruption.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions including infrastructural improvements, inclusive digital policies, and gender-sensitive approaches to bridge the divide. The study concludes that overcoming the digital divide is essential for achieving equitable educational outcomes and ensuring resilience in Pakistan’s education system against future disruptions.
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