Connectivity and gaps in access to digital technologies

a comparison between three Argentine universities during the pandemic

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the strategies that could (or could not) be implemented by public universities in Argentina to reduce the digital divide within their educational communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research focuses on the analysis of the policies and actions developed by the National University of Salta (UNSa), the National University of Rafaela (UNRaf), and the National University of the Arts (UNA) in the period between April 2020 and December 2021. A series of questions are proposed to guide the inquiry, in order to problematize the transformations that took place in the field of higher education during a context of exceptionality and the possible responses that the institutions have developed: have they implemented strategies to address the problems related to Internet connectivity of the people who are part of their educational communities?, have they provided electronic equipment to those people who did not have devices to guarantee the continuity of their study and work activities?, have they provided training aimed at providing tools for education in virtual environments?, have they developed articulations with other educational institutions, professionals, public entities, companies to address the situation?