Comparative Analysis of Mainstreaming E-learning and Digital Divide: The Academia Perspectives

The rapid use of digital technologies in teaching, learning, research and collaborative activities of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has raised a concern on the existing digital divide, limited experiences of some scholars in some of our universities in implementing e-learning projects, limited relevant and quality electronic content and other specific challenges faced by individual institutions, faculty and students, all these and more have become a challenging factor in our day to day life and endeavours.. The Mainstreaming e-learning within academia is being challenged today by the digital divide that is evident in most African countries. The digital divide makes access to internet infrastructure, digital devices, and the requisite skills difficult for the disadvantaged learners and faculty. The digital divide in Africa affects those in the lower income brackets, those residing in remote areas not covered by communication infrastructures and those communities who are illiterate. This paper expanded the horizon of the need to commit resources for the development of robust national internet infrastructure by supporting flexible national communication policies for the benefit of national research and education networks (NRENs).