Internet access and its role on educational inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic

Korkmaz Ö., Erer E., Erer D.

Telecommunications Policy, vol.46, no.5, 2022 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 46 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.telpol.2022.102353
  • Journal Name: Telecommunications Policy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, ABI/INFORM, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Communication & Mass Media Index, Communication Abstracts, EconLit, Film & Television Literature Index, INSPEC, Library and Information Science Abstracts, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA), PAIS International, Public Affairs Index
  • Keywords: Covid-19, Educational inequality, Information and communications technologies, Internet, Spatial econometrics
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: No

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of Internet access and its effect on educational inequality in OECD countries during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic. The spatial panel data model is used to include the neighborhood in the model relating to educational inequality. The findings from the study reveal that despite the increase in Internet access during the Covid-19 period, the response to the pandemic has caused education inequalities. Furthermore, economic development indicators are effective in increasing Internet access and reducing educational inequality. Finally, the study shows that, as improvements in income levels can increase Internet access, which results in a reduction in educational inequality.