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Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring Equity in Access to Online Learning Platforms under NEP 2020

Kiranmayee Kar
Ph.D. Research Scholar
Central University of Odisha, Koraput, India
kiranmayeekar810@gmail.com

Abstract
The growing use of online learning platforms has transformed education by enabling access to learning resources anytime and anywhere. However, this shift to digital learning has also revealed considerable inequalities, which are generally known as the "digital divide"; the gap between people who have access to digital technology and internet connectivity, and those who do not. This disparity is caused due to factors which include varying socioeconomic backgrounds, infrastructural disparities, geographical locations and different degrees of digital literacy, affecting marginalized groups. With the growing integration of  online learning in education, millions of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds struggle to get the resources they need to succeed academically and professionally. Among the key barriers are - poor internet infrastructure, expensive devices, high data plans, and a lack of training in digital skills for both teachers and learners. These challenges lead to limited participation in online learning, lower academic achievement and limited access to a variety of educational tools and platforms. To this note, this paper tries to explore strategies to promote equity in online education and reduce the digital divide and its impact on learners, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. The paper also assesses the role of governments, non governmental organizations, and private sector initiatives in addressing these gaps through policy interventions, community based solutions, and innovative technologies like mobile learning and offline content delivery. Furthermore, it delves into the intersection of equity and inclusion, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant and linguistically inclusive online learning platforms. The paper uses a comprehensive review methodology to analyse the existing literature related to online learning platforms contributing to reduce the digital divide. The findings aim to inform educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders in crafting strategies that uphold education as a universal right in this digital era.
Keywords: Digital Divide, Equity in Access, Online Learning Platforms, Learners, NEP 2020