Abstract
Inequalities observed in the digital divide can be based on physical access, social norms, infrastructure, and educational reasons. Recently, skills and competency, which are the sub-topics to be examined under education, have become one of the most prominent issues within the network and information society. Universities that were already in a slow adoption process had to come up with rapid and effective solutions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Educators became capable to offer solutions in teaching and learning by using information and communication technology (ICT). Therefore, a survey is conducted on the educators’ use or capability to utilize education-related digital tools before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Another important issue is whether the principal method they used in this adaptation process was based on personal learning or was carried out through formal education. Although this study focuses on academic’s information and strategic skills, a survey was conducted on students addressing the same subjects as well. As an outcome, it was reasonable to compare the behavior patterns of students and academics and investigate the consequences on the second-level digital divide. It is an inevitable fact that educators experienced many difficulties in this rapid transition period. Even where traditional education continues, this process has given educators new education skills. It is now possible to say that this process has contributed to closing the information and strategic skills gap among academics, thereby bridging the second level of digital divide.
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Samancioglu, N., Nuere, S., de Miguel Álvarez, L., Gómez, E.M.R. (2022). A Step Further in Digital Divide: Information and Strategic Skills of the Academy. In: Daniela, L. (eds) Inclusive Digital Education. Educational Communications and Technology: Issues and Innovations. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-14775-3_13
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