Closing the Homework Divide: Centering Learners in EdTech Solutions
This is what educators and parents now call the “homework gap.” It’s not just about who gets the work done—it's about who can. And as schools increasingly turn to technology, this gap continues to widen, quietly pushing some students further behind. If we’re not careful, the tools we introduce to help learners could become barriers for the ones who need support the most.
Background & Context:
When schools closed during the pandemic, we all saw how heavily learning relied on technology. Zoom lessons, learning apps, and online assessments quickly became the norm. But while some students transitioned smoothly, others struggled—bad connections, no devices, or limited digital literacy at home.
Rethinking EdTech: Centering the Learner
The 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report from UNESCO reveals a sobering truth: only 40% of primary schools globally have internet access, and nearly one-third of students didn’t have effective remote learning options during the pandemic. The promise of EdTech often assumes access, but the reality is more complicated.
And this isn’t just a “developing world” issue. The digital divide—between urban and rural, rich and poor, connected and disconnected—is a global problem. If we're serious about equitable education, we need to rethink how and where technology fits in.
So what’s the answer? It’s not just about more gadgets or faster Wi-Fi. It’s about asking a better question: What does the learner need to succeed—and how can technology help?
The GEM Report urges us to see technology not as a magic fix but as a complement to teaching, not a replacement. And there are real-world examples where thoughtful EdTech has made a difference:
In parts of Africa and Asia, offline-first platforms like Kolibri bring high-quality content to students via USBs or local networks—no internet required.
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Some Philippine barangays have set up shared community learning hubs where students can access devices and internet, often supported by local schools or NGOs.
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In Sierra Leone, education leaders are using geospatial data to identify underserved areas and build schools where they’re needed most
These aren’t flashy solutions—but they work because they start with the learner’s context, not just the tech.
Challenges We Can't Ignore
Of course, meaningful EdTech integration doesn’t come easy. Some of the biggest hurdles are:
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Infrastructure gaps: In some areas, there's no electricity, let alone Wi-Fi. Even maintaining devices can be a challenge.
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Teacher training: Fewer than half of countries have clear ICT standards for teachers. Without support, even the best tools go unused or underused
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Privacy concerns: Only 1 in 7 countries has legal safeguards for educational data. That’s a big deal when kids’ information is on the line
What can help? Long-term investments in teacher training, stronger policies on data privacy, and more flexible, low-tech options that can scale. Partnerships—between schools, governments, communities, and the private sector—will be key.
A Closing Reflection:
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that technology will play a growing role in how students learn. But it also reminded us that learning is still deeply human. A caring teacher, a safe environment, and a student’s sense of belonging—these matter just as much, if not more, than any device or platform.
So as we design digital strategies or adopt new tools, let’s not lose sight of the learner. Especially the ones like Liza, who work harder just to show up.
The question isn’t whether EdTech can help. The real question is: Who gets to benefit—and on whose terms?
So as we design digital strategies or adopt new tools, let’s not lose sight of the learner. Especially the ones like Liza, who work harder just to show up.
The question isn’t whether EdTech can help. The real question is: Who gets to benefit—and on whose terms?
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