Equity in Digital Education: Assessing the Impact of Remote and Online Learning on Low-Income Students in Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine and Effective Approaches

Abstract

This policy brief aims to examine the impact of remote and online learning choices on educational inequalities for low-income students in Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine. Digitalisation of education has become crucial since 2020, especially during the transition from offline to online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While some countries adapted well, others, including the mentioned trio, struggled with issues such as the digital divide affecting access to information and communication technology (ICT) for low-income and rural families. This challenge has hindered the effective transition to online education and exacerbated educational disparities. To address this, it is vital to adopt a human rights-based approach that ensures equitable access to inclusive and quality education for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location. Recognising the significance of education as a human right is essential in approaching the digital divide as a question of equity and justice rather than a technological challenge. States should prioritise reforms to bridge the digital divide through inclusive frameworks and hybrid learning strategies, potentially leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to sustainably improve educational outcomes.