DIGITAL DIVIDE AND LITERACY: IMPACT ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN DISTANCE LEARNING

Abstract

The digital divide has become a significant barrier to distance learning, particularly for students in remote areas with limited access to technology. This study aims to explore the impact of the digital divide and digital literacy on student engagement in distance learning, examined through three dimensions: behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. A qualitative method was employed, using in-depth interviews with 15 students selected through purposive sampling from regions far from urban centers. Data analysis was conducted through triangulation, with validation via cross-checking and member checking, and thematic coding was applied to identify key themes. The identified themes were further analyzed to gain an in-depth understanding of how the digital divide affects student engagement.The findings reveal that limited internet access, low-quality devices, and the high cost of technology negatively impact students' behavioral engagement. Students also experienced emotional isolation due to technological barriers, while their cognitive engagement was hindered by low levels of digital literacy. The implications of this study highlight the importance of improving internet infrastructure in remote areas, providing technology subsidies, and offering digital literacy training to enhance students' academic engagement in distance learning.