A study by the Azim Premji Foundation reveals that nearly 60% of Indian schoolchildren lack access to online learning opportunities, underscoring the profound digital divide exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This gap has significantly hindered remote teaching and learning efforts since the pandemic forced schools and colleges to shift online. While technology has sustained learning, the digital divide persists as a major obstacle, described as an ‘operational nightmare.’
The Azim Premji Foundation’s findings are echoed by Oxfam India, which reports that half of urban private school parents faced internet connectivity issues, and a third cited concerns over costly mobile data. Similarly, a national survey by ICRIER and LIRNE Asia found that only 20% of school-age children in India had access to remote education during the pandemic, with participation in live online lessons even lower.
COVID-19 exacerbated the school dropout rate, with at least one child dropping out in 38% of households, highlighting the pivotal role of digital schooling in maintaining continuity. Amruta Singh, an education expert, emphasizes the urgent need to address critical issues in both traditional and digital education systems to ensure resilience in the future.
Sangeeta Gadre from Delhi University points out that the digital divide affects both teachers and students, with women disproportionately disadvantaged in digital device usage. Urvashi Sahni of the Brookings Institution stresses that while technology holds promise for improving learning outcomes and achieving universal education quality, bridging the digital and gender divides is essential for realizing its full potential.
In the contemporary information age, access to technology and the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for equitable education. Despite its benefits, remote learning remains a logistical challenge due to the persistent digital divide, highlighting the irreplaceable role of traditional classroom learning.
These insights underscore the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to overcome digital barriers and ensure inclusive education in India’s evolving educational landscape.
