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How are smart classrooms contributing to the digital divide between urban and rural schools?

Simpson Wrixon

In my view, smart classrooms are playing a significant role in increasing the digital divide between urban and rural schools. Technology has made our lives easier, but it has also created a gap in education, and these smart classrooms are making that divide even more substantial.

Firstly, the installation and maintenance costs of a smart classroom are high. Most urban schools have funding and sponsorship from various sources to invest in such technology. On the other hand, many rural schools lack the resources and funds to keep up with the advancements in technology, which puts them at a significant disadvantage. Without access to technology, students in rural schools are less likely to develop essential digital skills needed in today's world.

Secondly, the smart classroom requires high-speed internet connectivity to function efficiently. Unfortunately, many rural regions lack reliable internet, and students have to rely on slow and unstable internet connections. This further puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing educational resources and materials available online.

Lastly, smart classrooms offer access to online resources and interactive learning tools such as videos, e-books, online lectures, and virtual labs. Without access to these resources, students in rural schools have a limited choice of learning materials. This lack of learning resources and tools means that students may not develop their academic abilities to the same extent as their urban counterparts, which can have lasting effects on their future academic success.

In conclusion, while smart classrooms are bringing the benefits of digitization and innovation to education, they are also contributing to the digital divide between urban and rural schools. To bridge this divide, governments need to invest in providing increased funding, reliable internet, and advanced technological resources to rural schools. Only then can we ensure that every student, regardless of their location, has access to the same quality of education.