The Challenges of the Digital Divide in the Online Learning Process During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia

Abstract

The digital divide is one of the problems faced by the government since the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. All face-to-face activities in all development sectors are transferred online. The unpreparedness of communication technology infrastructure in Indonesia is one of the obstacles to online learning activities that require a stable internet connection, even in urban areas that already have communication infrastructure with 5G networks. However, it turns out that the problem is not only with infrastructure, what is more important than that is the opportunity and ability of the community to use communication technology. In this study, researchers limit research to only discussing the challenges of the digital divide in the online learning process during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia with research locations in three districts in West Java in 2020-2021. This research uses a qualitative approach, an exploratory paradigm, in a case study perspective. The data collection process was carried out under natural conditions in the form of observation, in-depth interviews and documentation studies. This study concludes that collaboration between government officials and the community has a positive impact on people's opportunities to carry out online learning processes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges of the digital divide faced during the digital learning process can be partially overcome by collaboration between the government, the community and the private sector, although the approach taken is different at each research location.

Digital Divide as a Dynamic Challenge and a Leveraging Opportunity: A Phenomenological Study on Seasoned TLE/TVL Teachers' Adaptive Pedagogy

“…Families with lower incomes often lack the financial resources to afford internet access and digital devices for their children which is worsening the existing inequalities (Jamil, 2021). Geographic factors further compound the issue, especially in rural and remote areas where inadequate infrastructure severely limits access to the internet and digital devices (Gemiharto & Priyadarshani, 2022;Sadyrtdinov, 2023). However, the digital divide is not solely about access; it also encompasses the ability to effectively use digital technologies.…”

Community needs for the digital divide on the smart city policy

“…Before the internet was invented, social and economic disparities caused by the development of ICT also resulted in the emergence of a digital gap [ 34 ]. It will be challenging for those in poor socioeconomic categories and with low levels of education to access information [ 33 ]. Geographical conditions are another consideration, for those who reside in remote and hilly places will find it challenging to acquire information.…”

“…Furthermore, research conducted on the alternative conceptions of intelligent citizenship [ 27 , 28 ] using the municipal service technology acceptance model (USTAM) [ 29 ], include The effect of smart technology in changing public services, Public trust in the internet is a prerequisite for using e-government services [ 30 ], Research [ 31 ] in the acceptance and utilization of big data techniques, and [ 32 ] Adopting internet banking. Series of research were also conducted [ 29 ] In the Challenge of Public Service, ICT creating a digital divide in society [ 33 ], ICT for measuring the digital divide by Refs. [ 34 , 35 ] Stating that Generation Z possesses exceptional abilities and demonstrates a superior aptitude in using ict.…”