Paper Details

Name: H. S. Kongalappa & Deepika
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 12, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (Special Issue)
Page Number: 69-75
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17897668

ABSTRACT
The digital divide continues to be one of the most significant barriers to inclusive higher
education in India, particularly in rural areas. With the increasing integration of technology in
education, Information and Communication Technology tools are viewed as key enablers in
bridging this gap. This study examines the impact of ICT tools on reducing the digital divide
among degree students in rural Mysore District, Karnataka. A mixed-method approach was
employed, involving surveys with 300 students and 30 faculty members from three rural
degree colleges, focus group discussions, and direct field observations. This research
analyzes student’s digital access, literacy, use of ICT enabled learning, and their effect on
academic engagement. The findings reveal that ICT tools, especially mobile friendly
asynchronous learning resources, smart classrooms, WhatsApp based communication, and
localized bilingual digital content, have improved access, engagement, and learning
outcomes. However, challenges persist in the form of connectivity issues, limited device
availability, a lack of localized content, and inadequate digital skills. This study concludes
that bridging the digital divide in rural colleges requires a combination of affordable
technology, teacher training, community partnerships, and sustained policy support.
Keywords: ICT tools, digital divide, rural higher education, Mysore, digital literacy, blended
learning, and inclusive education.