Educational Policies to Reduce the Digital Divide: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Technological inequality remains a persistent barrier to educational equity, particularly in rural areas and economically disadvantaged communities. This systematic review, conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, examines how educational policies worldwide have addressed the digital divide across three key dimensions: access, use, and technology appropriation. A search across Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, SciELO, and Redalyc identified 27 records, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria (publications from 2019 to 2025 and empirical or theoretical studies). Given the heterogeneity of the evidence, a narrative synthesis was applied. Findings reveal improvements in technological infrastructure and connectivity; however, socioeconomic disparities continue to limit meaningful technological integration. Access to devices or internet alone does not guarantee effective learning or adequate technological adoption, underscoring the need for strengthened digital pedagogy and institutional support. The results align with existing literature while contributing new insights by highlighting the importance of sustainable strategies in vulnerable contexts. Overall, the review emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies that foster critical and equitable digital inclusion, as well as the importance of conducting longitudinal studies tailored to rural environments.
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