This study explores the digital divide in online education across five Indian states—Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal—focusing on internet accessibility, usage patterns, and participation in digital learning. The study surveys five states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal. Utilizing secondary data from the National Sample Survey (NSS) 77th Round (2019-2020), the research aims to analyze the disparities in online education between rural and urban households. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied to examine statewise variations in internet access and usage, with key variables such as digital literacy and socio-economic status factored into the analysis. The results reveal significant rural-urban divides in all five states, with Karnataka showing relatively better internet penetration, while Uttar Pradesh faces the most severe challenges in rural internet access. Socio-economic factors further compound the digital divide, with high-income households having greater access to online education, while lower-income and rural households are disproportionately disadvantaged. Additionally, the study found substantial gender disparities, with lower female participation in online education, particularly in rural areas. These findings highlight the urgent need for region-specific policy interventions, focusing on improving digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, and addressing socio-economic and gender-based barriers. The study concludes that bridging the digital divide is essential for ensuring equitable access to quality online education across India.
Author
(s) Details
Bivash Mandal
Department of English, Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management
(HITAM), Hyd., Telangana, India.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-48859-10-5/CH12
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