Examining the Role of Technology in Creating Equitable Educational Opportunities for Students of Different Backgrounds

Abstract

Technology is playing an increasingly crucial role in shaping more equitable educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. By leveraging various technological tools and platforms, educators can bridge the gap between different socio-economic and cultural groups, ultimately leading to a more inclusive learning environment. Through the use of digital resources, such as online learning platforms, educational apps, and virtual classrooms, students from underserved communities can access high-quality educational materials and instruction that may have been otherwise limited. Additionally, the role of technology in fostering more equitable educational experiences for students with varying socio-economic statuses, geographic locations, and learning abilities. By leveraging digital tools such as online resources, interactive learning platforms, and personalized educational software, students are empowered to access high-quality education regardless of their background. The design of the study was a descriptive survey. The target population for this study was 218. The sample of this study was drawn from principals and teachers in the secondary schools through a stratified random sampling technique. The instrument was face validated by two experts from the Department of computer studies, one expert from Measurement and Evaluation, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The reliability of the instrument was established using the Cronbach Alpha formula. The reliability coefficient value yielded 0.91 on average which was considered adequate for the study. The data obtained from the was tested using mean score and standard deviation. In addition, the hypotheses were tested using t-test statistics. The findings of this study highlight the challenges for using technological tools in teaching and learning of computer studies. They believed that challenges include inadequate technological facilities in schools, unstable power supply in schools, the key obstacles that prevent underprivileged students from accessing educational resources among others. It was concluding that many schools have a shortage of digital resources available for students to use. Despite available government funding, schools may lack the technology their students require. these recommendations were made for the study; school leaders should work alongside teachers when implementing programs that promote equitable access to technology for their students. They should be sure to consult with the relevant teachers who oversee students in the area the initiative is trying to address.