The ‘digital access divide’ at a South African dental school – a cross-sectional study - Part 1

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Authors

Postma, Thomas Corne
Sykes, Leanne M.
Uys, Andre
Brandt, Paul Dieter
Crafford, Elmine

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

South African Dental Association

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the digital divide, from an access perspective, of dental students at the University of Pretoria. Second to final year students (n= 218 (87.2% response rate) completed a custom-designed survey at the end of 2017. The investigation enquired about the digital devices and infra-structure they owned and used for study purposes. They were also asked to reveal the networks and resources they used to access online platforms and to comment on any other related access issues such as the quality of the Internet, speed and reliability, as well as cost and personal implications related to usage. A clear divide could be detected for a minority of students (±1/7). Individually targeted interventions will be required to ensure an equitable and fair online learning experience.

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Keywords

Digital divide, Dental students, Internet, Online learning experience

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Postma, T.C., Sykes, L.M., Uys, A. et al. 2020, 'The ‘digital access divide’ at a South African dental school – a cross-sectional study - Part 1', South African Dental Journal, vol. 75, no. 7, pp. 373-376.