Digital Learning Inquality: The Role of Socioeconomic Status in Access to Online Education Resources

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The rise of digital learning has transformed education, but it has also exposed significant inequalities, particularly in access to online education resources. This study examines the role of socioeconomic status (SES) in shaping digital learning opportunities and outcomes. Using a qualitative approach, this research adopts a literature review method, analyzing existing studies on digital learning inequality, SES, and online education access. Findings indicate that lower SES is strongly associated with reduced access to essential resources, such as high-speed internet, digital devices, and quality educational content. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to have conducive home environments for learning, leading to a widening gap in educational achievement between high- and low-SES groups. The literature further highlights that, despite the increasing availability of online learning platforms, these resources are not equally accessible to all, exacerbating pre-existing educational disparities. Additionally, the digital divide is shown to have broader implications, affecting not only academic performance but also long-term economic and social mobility. This study emphasizes the urgent need for policies that address these inequalities by ensuring equitable access to digital learning tools and fostering digital literacy among underserved populations. By synthesizing existing research, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between SES and digital education access and offers insights for policymakers and educators working to bridge the digital divide.