The digital gap uncovered by the coronavirus pandemic: a study on teachers and families

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The population confinement caused by coronavirus pandemic forced teachers and families to make an almost instant transition from traditional teaching to on-line teaching. But how did it work regarding the digital gap? The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the schools’ lockdown on the three existing digital gaps, access, cognitive and school, from the teachers and the families’ perspectives. METHOD. 9567 Spanish citizens, 3700 teachers and 5867 parents, agreed to participate. The study followed an ex post facto research design within a questionnaire quantitative methodology. A “snowball” non-probabilistic sampling was used to recruit participants. Data collection was performed virtually from April 15th to May 8^th, 2020. RESULTS. They uncovered an “access gap” that teachers blame on a deficient internet connection and not enough resources at home, but families do not share it and point to telecommuting as the main limitation. DISCUSSION. There is a clear “cognitive gap” acknowledged by teachers and families and a “school gap” that teachers blame on insufficient resources provided by the administration and the schools, and an insufficient experience on on-line education. In conclusion, the confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light a “digital gap” that many believe overcame or at least minimized. However, the cognitive and the school gaps need actions.