Analysing the role of ICT in bridging the digital divide amongst learners

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is changing every facet of our lives. It is changing the way we do business, the way we live and, more importantly, the way we learn. In this new Golden Age of technology, we see more and more an increasing rift between those who have access to ICT and those who do not. This digital divide can be seen as an educational divide and thus we examine how ICT is influencing education. We also investigate the nature of this digital divide while focusing on the local perspective. A short pilot study was done at four schools and one adult education centre in South Africa regarding their access to ICT. The results are used to indicate how and why ICT can be used in South Africa to overcome the digital divide that currently exists between resource-deprived and resource-advantaged learners. In addition, we examine the implications of the rift and propose a framework for a solution. (South African Journal of Education: 2002 22(4): 270-274