Education gap online examines the challenges faced by Myanmar students engaging in online higher education, highlighting disparities both physical (electricity, internet connectivity) and social (gender). It emphasizes the active participation of surveyed participants in various online education programs, focusing on certificate courses, with primary learning platforms like YouTube and Google playing crucial roles in facilitating online learning.
By Myanmar Data Tech Team
MYANMAR DIGITAL RESEARCH 05
Abstract
This study examines challenges faced by Myanmar students engaging in online higher education, shedding light on disparities in power, internet connectivity, and gender-based concerns. We employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, collecting data from 98 and 105 participants, respectively. Notably, frequent power outages, financial constraints, and limited internet access emerge as significant obstacles impacting students’ learning experiences. The research underscores substantial regional disparities, with 84% of participants facing power outages disrupting online learning; disparities in electricity availability across regions—urban areas enjoying over 8 hours of access, while marginalized ethnic regions face as little as 4-8 hours—and differing satisfaction levels based on regional stability. Gender disparities are also evident in online privacy concerns and computer proficiency, with females expressing more apprehension. Language proficiency in English plays a crucial role, with the scarcity of Burmese language resources hindering access to learning content. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of online education in Myanmar and highlights the crucial role of regional disparities in shaping students’ educational experiences, with profound implications for improving accessibility and quality.
Keywords: online learning, higher education, digital divide, Myanmar
This Myanmar Digital Research paper was produced for the Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative, with the aid of a grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and with support from The SecDev Foundation. Views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of either organization.
Over the next two years, twenty papers in the Myanmar Digital Research series will have researchers within and in the Myanmar diaspora exploring how the digital world is shaping their social, political and economic crisis, bringing new insights into issues facing Myanmar citizens. See below for others available now.