Recently, shocking data has emerged from the Indian Ministry of Education. It was disclosed that less than 10% of schools possess Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools or digital tools in at least ten states across India. This revelation underscores the pressing issue of the digital gap in education that continues to persist.
The Basics of ICT Tools
ICT tools occupy a broad category. They aren’t solely limited to hardware such as printers, computers, laptops, and tablets but also include software such as Google Meet and Google Spreadsheets. In essence, ICT refers to all the communication technologies employed for accessing, retrieving, storing, transmitting, and modifying information in a digital form. Yet, it’s important to note that the definition of ICT is not fixed, given the rapid evolution and development of such concepts, methods and tools.
Defining the Digital Gap
The digital gap can be understood as the disparity between those who have access to modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and those who do not. This gap exists on several fronts – among developed and developing nations, between urban and rural populations, between the young and educated and the older and less-educated individuals, and even between men and women. In India, the divide is particularly pronounced between urban and rural areas.
The Current State of the Digital Gap in India
Recent studies have shed light on the seriousness of the digital gap in Indian education. A 2021 study by the Azim Premji Foundation revealed that nearly 60% of school children in India lack access to online learning opportunities. Additional research from Oxfam India indicates that even amongst urban private school students, half of the parents reported issues with internet signal and speed, while a third struggled with the cost of mobile data.
Impacts of the Digital Gap
The digital gap has several profound impacts on the education system. Children from disadvantaged groups are at risk of being unable to pursue their education fully, and some may be forced to drop out due to lack of access to ICT. This inequality might lead to issues like child labour and even child trafficking. The digital gap also results in unfair competition, as students with internet access may outperform their less privileged counterparts. Furthermore, individuals from lower socio-economic classes face greater challenges in their studies due to difficulty accessing educational resources.
Right to Education: A Constitutional Perspective
The Indian Constitution initially provided for state-funded, equitable, and accessible education under Part IV, Article 45, and Article 39 (f) of the Directive Principles of State Policy. However, in 2002, the 86th Constitutional Amendment inserted Article 21A, establishing the Right to Education as a fundamental right for children aged 6-14 years. Following this amendment, the Right to Education Act was introduced in 2009.
Initiatives Addressing the Digital Gap
Several initiatives have been launched to address the digital gap, including the National Education Policy 2020, Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA), PM eVidya, Swayam Prabha TV Channel, SWAYAM portal, and the National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT 3.0).
The Way Forward
Bridging the digital gap requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders, mainly the government. Affordability of internet connectivity and technological devices, reasonable electricity tariffs, and taxes remain significant barriers. Therefore, efforts should aim towards improving affordability and enhancing training on using the internet and technologies effectively. Additionally, online educational content should be made available in various languages to cater to a diverse audience. Efforts to reduce the gender digital divide are also crucial in ensuring equal access to digital resources for all.