This collection of double peer-reviewed chapters critically examines the digital divide in higher education through a social justice lens. The collection moves beyond simply acknowledging the inequalities in access and inclusion to digital resources, to exploring how both digital exclusion and inclusion can perpetuate social stratifications. The book is structured around three key themes: The Frames: Examining the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the digital divide, including barriers, enablers, and philosophical frameworks; The Divide: Presenting empirical studies from around the world that shed light on the inequalities surrounding digital inclusion and exclusion in higher education; The Bridge: Showcasing innovative and inclusive practices, pedagogies, and policies that aim to bridge the digital divide in higher education.By analyzing the multifaceted nature of the digital divide and digital equity from theory to practice with case studies from Germany, Finland, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, and Taiwan, this book provides a timely and valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to fostering equitable and inclusive digital higher education for all.
Juliette E. Torabian, PhD, is a senior lecturer in Sociology of Education and International Development at University of Fribourg (Switzerland). She is a senior editorial member of Oxford Encyclopedia of education, the regional (European) editor of the journal of Comparative and International Higher Education, and a member of UNESCO Inclusive Policy lab.Andreas Hadjar, PhD, is a full professor in Sociology, Social Policy, Social Research at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). He functions as the head of the Department of Social Work, Social Policy and Global Development at the University of Fribourg, as board member of the Swiss Sociological Association, and as treasurer of the European Educational Research Association.Auli Toom, PhD Full Professor of Higher Education, works as a Director of the Helsinki University Centre for University Teaching and Learning (HYPE) and Vice-Dean for research at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki (Finland).
