"When we talk about closing the gap, one should be in a position to understand and specifically identify the gulf that exists, lest the mandate won’t be fulfilled," she stated in an interview recently. She identifies two types of gaps in the digital divide within the education sector being the usage gap and the outcome gap. "The usage gap addresses the 'how?' question. How much do today’s learners use or have access to the digital world both inside and outside the classroom? Research indicates that students in urban areas have significantly higher access to technology outside the classroom compared to those in rural areas. Additionally, students in private or English Medium schools benefit from early exposure to ICT or digital technology, often starting in preschool, unlike their counterparts in government schools,” she said.
On the outcome gap, she said it addresses the results achieved through all the initiatives to bring technology to the classroom. Key questions arising according to her include the following: Are educators equipped with the knowledge to use the devices effectively? Are learners benefiting from these gadgets? Is there a significant increase in productivity in schools that receive these gadgets? "The answers are often 'no' or 'maybe'," Magwaza, who has been teaching ICT for a decade now pointed out. She said there is minimal significant growth and academic improvement in schools benefiting from the digital gadgets. Magwaza emphasised the need for the government to bridge the digital divide between schools in rural and urban areas as well as private and government schools. She highlighted three gaps that need to be addressed for the education sector to be fully empowered with digital development, stability, and effectiveness. The first gap is between schools in rural and urban areas. She said research shows that children in impoverished areas are disadvantaged not because of intellectual deficits, but due to a lack of access to the digital world. "Donating electronic gadgets is an incredible initiative, but it will be even more incredible if we address digital literacy. Educators must be equipped with knowledge on how to integrate technology effectively into their pedagogy," Magwaza said.
