Different Levels of Access to Digital Technology Have Further Exacerbated Inequalities in Education

Abstract

The application of digital technology has brought tremendous changes in the field of education. On one hand, digital technology plays an important role in improving the sharing of educational resources and teaching efficiency. On the other hand, due to economic factors, some families and schools cannot afford digital technology. This article, drawing on literature and Chinese cases, critically analyse the claim that "disparities in digital technology access exacerbate educational inequality", identifying economic conditions, parental attitudes, teachers' digital skills, and children's interests as the core influencing factors. It analyzes how these factors lead to inequality at the educational starting point, process, and outcome, and offers suggestions for responses from the government, parents, schools, and software developers.