As digital learning environments become more prevalent, having access to
and maintaining proficiency in using ICTs is critical for students to leverage
educational opportunities, attain employment skills and connect with peers
As digital learning environments
become more prominent in schools,
access to and the ability to use online
resources and educational tools has
become essential for students’
education 1. As a result, students that
are digitally excluded may require
more time completing homework and
assignments, putting them at risk of
falling behind in school and missing
out on opportunities for improved
educational outcomes.
IMPROVED EDUCATIONAL
OUTCOMES
ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITES
Digital exclusion can have significant
impacts on social connections for
students 2. Lack of access to online
platforms and tools used for
communication and collaboration,
such as social media, online forums,
and virtual learning environments can
make it harder for students to
connect with their peers and form
meaningful relationships. This may
negatively affect their social and
emotional well-being 2.
SOCIAL CONNECTION
Digital literacy is becoming a core
skill of the workplace, with an
increasing number of interactions and
transactions taking place online. With
many jobs of the future likely
requiring workers to have a high level
of digital literacy and technology
skills, it is critical students can learn
about and familiarise themselves with
the latest technologies 3. Students
who are digitally included have the
opportunity to develop and refine
their digital literacy skills, giving them
an advantage in the job market.
WORKFORCE READY
Digital exclusion can negatively
impact students' job opportunities by
limiting access to job listings, career
development resources, and
professional networking sites 2.
Barriers in applying for jobs online,
participating in virtual job interviews
and working remotely can also lower
students’ chances of securing
employment within certain industries.
These barriers to entering the job
market may exacerbate existing
socio-economic disparities 2.
1.
Victoria University, 2022, Digital Divide: school closures increasing inequality, Digital Divide: School closures increasing inequality | Victoria University (vu.edu.au)
2.
Telematics and Informatics Journal: Volume 72, 2022, The self-reinforcing effect of digital and social exclusion: the inequality loop, The self-reinforcing effect of digital and social exclusion: The inequality loop - ScienceDirect
3.
McKell Institute Queensland, 2021, Bridging Queensland’s Digital Divide, 210903-Full-report.pdf (mckellinstitute.org.au)