Digital divide in the Digital Age – A qualitative study of distance learners of IGNOU

Abstract

The digital age has opened up new and exciting opportunities for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in universities. But, is going digital reinforcing the existing social inequalities? This qualitative research examines the three levels of digital divide and digital inequality among learners at India’s National Open University, IGNOU. The findings suggest an existence of a basic level of accessibility to both digital devices and internet connection among the learners. However, when considering the quality of access, there is a gap between those with the bare basics, and those with multiple devices and good connectivity. On the face of it, all the learners appear to be frequent and comfortable users of these technologies, but their skills seem to be limited only to technical and operational aspects. When considering skills related to digital information, critical information, social and content creation, it is not as obvious and mostly doubtful. The findings further suggest that most learners’ strategy to safeguard from online harm are limited to protecting devices from viruses and financial scams. There is uncertainty regarding avoiding harm from a personal safety, security, wellbeing, and mental health point of view.