Speaker
Description
The persistent digital divide in higher education is prominently shaped by socioeconomic status, significantly impacting access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This study examines the multi-layered nature of digital inequalities—ranging from basic access and digital literacy to differential benefits derived from technology usage—highlighting how these disparities are intricately linked with social stratification. Insights from various studies underline the critical need for educational institutions to adopt strategies that not only enhance digital access and literacy but also ensure equitable digital empowerment across diverse student demographics, thereby minimizing social and digital disparities. The integration of ICT in social work services is becoming indispensable rather than optional, driven by the necessity for strategic and flexible applications of emerging technologies. These advancements offer significant opportunities for innovation in service delivery, enhancing accessibility to essential resources for effective social work practice. This study explores how the evolution of technology affects not only the training of social workers but also their practice, particularly in light of the varying digital competencies among students which subsequently affect their educational outcomes and integration into the labor market. Given the dynamic and often unequal nature of the online environment, this digital disparity poses substantial challenges in ensuring equitable access to opportunities within the knowledge society.
