Abstract:

The national lockdown caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic has destabilized many sectors of the South African economy. The education system in the country, like in many other countries, resorted to remote means of teaching and learning to salvage the academic year and complete the academic project. While the idea of online teaching and learning is noble, it cannot be implemented on a one-size fit all approach. Most South African learners are from rural areas and previously disadvantaged communities. Such learners, especially those whose families do not afford devices, are left out. However, well-up families can afford the costs involved and will ensure their children progress.

This qualitative study looks at the impact of the digital divide on education equality and consequently future economic participation. The research is motivated by the challenges faced by disadvantaged South African public high schools in transitioning from face-to-face to remote learning in times of crisis. The following research questions were paused: What are the challenges faced by disadvantaged public schools in implementing remote teaching and learning? How do these challenges affect education equality and future economic participation? To find answers to the research questions, an underprivileged public high school within the Cape Metro was selected as a case study. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. A total of 52 learners and 15 educators were selected to partake in semi-structured, open-ended interviews over a period of three (3) weeks, with a response rate of 73% and 80% respectively.

The primary outcome was that the digital divide leads to unequal access to education and consequently economic exclusions. 14 learners and 3 educators could not finish the interviews and their data was withdrawn. The adoption of remote learning requires access to devices and the internet, among others. The results show that it is highly unlikely to successfully switch to remote teaching and learning in an underprivileged school. Without access to devices, remote learning is not possible. Furthermore, there is a strong link between digital literacy and economic participation. It is therefore evident that digital divide contributes to economic exclusion.

Keywords:

Remote learning, digital divide, adoption.