The Digital Divide: A case of Distance Education in Pakistan

Abstract

The digital divide refers to the difference between individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas that have access to modern information and communication technologies (ICTs), and those that do not. This gap can include access to the internet, computers, and other digital devices, as well as the skills and resources needed to effectively use these technologies. The digital divide can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of distance education. For students and teachers who do not have access to reliable internet and appropriate digital devices, it can be difficult or impossible to participate in online classes and develop or access course materials. This article is an outcome of auto-ethnography conducted at an open distance education institution during 2016 to 2022. This article presents one part of a larger qualitative dataset. It highlights the issues and challenges faced by teachers, tutors and students during digital transformation of distance education; as well as provides the sets of strategies and recommendations brought out from the interviews and focus group discussions conducted in various regions of Pakistan.