Program Overview

Some have gadgets, fast and bright,
Learning with ease, day and night.
Some have books, torn and old,
Stories of dreams, waiting to be told. Some click buttons, knowledge so wide,
Some walk miles, books by their side.
One world connected, shining so tall,
Another left waiting, behind a wall. Let’s break the barriers, make a new way,
So every child can learn and play.
No one should struggle, no one should hide,
Education and technology, side by side.

Introduction

In today’s world, technology is everywhere. From studying to shopping, from talking to friends to playing games, everything is happening online. But not everyone has the same access to these technologies. Some students can easily use the internet and computers, while others do not even have electricity at home. This difference in access to technology and the internet is called the Digital Divide. The Digital Divide means the gap between people who can use digital technology and those who cannot. It mainly affects students from poor families, rural areas, and backward communities who do not have computers, smartphones, or the internet to study and grow. It creates a big problem because students who cannot use digital tools find it difficult to learn, especially when schools and education are moving online. This divide is not only about the availability of gadgets and internet connectivity but also about digital literacy. Even when students have access to a smartphone or a computer, they may not know how to use them effectively for learning. Many students, especially from marginalized backgrounds, do not receive proper guidance on how to navigate digital learning platforms, use educational apps, or participate in online discussions. This lack of knowledge further deepens the divide, making it harder for them to keep up with their peers. The Digital Divide also affects access to educational resources. Many schools and teachers provide homework, assignments, and reading materials online. However, students without digital access cannot complete their schoolwork on time or get additional study materials. This creates a gap in learning outcomes, where students with digital access advance faster, while those without it struggle to catch up. The result is an increasing inequality in education, limiting the future opportunities for marginalized students.