Digital Inequalities to Digital Inclusion in Online Learning: Viewpoints of LIS Educators Seeking to Bridge the Disparities

ABSTRACT Academics argue that the COVID‐19 pandemic has limited students' ability to learn, with significant digital inequities occurring between students from the global North and the global South. Students and academics from developing nations encountered particular challenges and difficulties with the move toward online styles of learning. Much like their colleagues from developed countries, they were unprepared for this predicament, but on top of the crisis context, deeper issues were having to do with digital inequalities and disparities that were exacerbated by the inadequate digital infrastructure (smart devices/gadgets, internet access, and speed) and online interaction abilities and practices. The goal of this panel is to address the pressing issue of digital inclusion in online education, specifically the broader challenge of ensuring that online education is accessible to all. As information researchers continue to work towards enhancing online learning, it is crucial to address the disparities in the sharing of information and knowledge and to bridge the gaps that exist across communities and nations. The panelists (three of whom work in developed countries and two in developing countries) will relate their experiences and viewpoints thus bringing their knowledge to bear in examining the concepts of digital inequality and digital inclusion. The rest of the session will be devoted to discussions and brainstorming with attendees around these issues, with special attention being given to perspectives that seek to bridge the disparities and promote inclusion in education.