Impact of Covid-19-related initiatives on digital divide in the mauritian education system

ABSTRACT

Institutional, national and international educational communities are all, without any exception, facing challenging situations to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on the education systems. Mauritius has taken several initiatives towards remote and digital learning to maintain the continuity of teaching and learning during the temporary COVID-19 related closures of educational institutions. For instance, in line with the recommendations of the Digital Education for All (DEFA), Reaching Out All (RAO) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 1957 Education Act was amended to make provision for staffs of educational institutions to conduct online teaching and learning, and produce video lessons to be broadcasted on the national TV for those who do not have internet connectivity. Though considered laudable by many, a second school of thought believe that such digital initiatives can become the vector of digital divide furthering inequality and social injustice in the country. To understand the impacts of the COVID-19-related initiatives on digital divide in Mauritius, this chapter will guide through the sections namely (1) Impacts of COVID-19 on the Mauritian economy, (2) Impacts of COVID-19 on the Mauritian education system, (3) The Government initiatives towards remote and digital education, (4) Impacts of the digital initiatives on the digital education and digital divide in Mauritius and (5) The way forward to reduce digital divide and inequalities while shifting towards remote teaching and learning. © 2022 Kemi Ogunyemi and Adaora I. Onaga. All rights reserved.