Digital Divide in Education: Exploring Undergraduate Students' Online Learning Experiences in Ghana During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: Addressing Issues of Access and Accessibility With Online Learning Technologies

Abstract

This study explored the online learning experiences of undergraduate students in Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an online questionnaire, we gathered data from one hundred and fifty-nine (n=159) undergraduate students from different public universities. Results showed that majority of the students did not have prior online learning experience when lessons were moved online. Also, most students did not have access to computers and a stable internet connection at home; a situation that left the most marginalized groups behind their peers from privileged backgrounds who had access to digital resources. While researchers acknowledge a shift from digital access divide to skills and use divide in high-income countries, most low-income countries including Ghana, are still struggling to bridge digital access divide.

Authors

• David Baidoo-Anu, Queen's University - Kingston

• Kenneth Gyamerah, Toronto District School Board 

• Martha Munezhi, Queen's University