Understanding the Digital Divide between Public and Private University Students of the Dhaka Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of new information and communication technology (ICT) has led to an unequal distribution of ICT resources, promoting advancement and access for some groups while constraining opportunities for others, ultimately resulting in the 'Digital Divide.' To understand the digital divide, this study was conducted to examine patterns in ICT skills and efficiency and the role of family economic conditions between public and private university students of the Dhaka metropolitan area. Using a quantitative research approach and employing a stratified random sampling method, this study involved the participation of 100 students. The sample was evenly distributed between private and public university students, with an equal split between male and female students. The study found no significant gap among public and private university students in the study area regarding basic access to digital tools and fundamental skills. However, there are clear differences between students from public and private universities. Private university students tend to have better access to high-quality digital devices. Consequently, they acquire more advanced digital skills, and use digital devices more frequently. A student's family economic situation plays a significant role in determining their access to quality digital devices. This, in turn, responsible for the digital divide because students from lower-income backgrounds are unable to have to better digital tools like the affluent students.