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Accepted Paper:
Equality and Inequality of Digital Learning in the Post-COVID Shrinking World: From a SIDS Perspective
Masami Tsujita
(National University of Samoa)
This paper explores the reality of remote learning in small developing countries during the COVID-triggered school lockdown and discusses how digital learning has both amplified inequalities in education but opened the door to new opportunities using online platforms..
Paper long abstract:
COVID-19 has shrunk the world emotionally as people everywhere share similar struggles adjusting to new realities. Geographical distance from the economic core no longer isolates remote islands who can Zoom in from an equally isolated emotional place regardless of location. Remote learning has become a global norm and teachers throughout the world face similar challenges in readjusting themselves to the new teaching modality. However, the lack of personal ICT devices, the lack of constant access to internet connectivity, and the lack of readiness are the key constraints of transition to remote learning in small island developing states. This paper discusses the reality of remote learning in the small Pacific Island state of Samoa, drawing on the experience of a university lecturer during the first COVID-triggered school lockdown in 2020. It highlights both how the COVID-19 pandemic amplified learning inequalities in education but also provided new opportunities using online platforms. The paper then examines how these digital opportunities including Zoom lectures, virtual conferences, open resources, can possibly reduce the inequality gaps in academic knowledge production processes currently dominated by scholars and publishers located in the Global North.