DIGITAL DIVIDE IN TEACHING: THE IMPERATIVE NEED FOR TEACHER TECHNOLOGICAL TRAINING FOR 21ST CENTURY EDUCATION

Abstract

The digital era has brought significant challenges to education, stemming from the increasing dependence on technology in humanity’s daily activities particularly in teaching and learning processes. Consequently, the digital divide, understood as the inequity in access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICT), poses a major barrier to educational equity. In this context, teachers play a crucial role in the effective integration of technological tools into the educational process; however, the lack of training in digital competencies limits their ability to innovate in their pedagogical practices. This scientific essay, employing a qualitative approach and based on a hermeneutic analysis through a literature review, examines the digital divide in education and the importance of strengthening teacher training in technology. It explores barriers to accessing technological tools and resources, the lack of teacher training, and their impact on pedagogical practice. Findings revealed that training teachers in digital competencies not only enhances teaching but also fosters innovation and helps reduce learning inequalities. Furthermore, the urgent need to implement technological training strategies for teachers is emphasized, as this would enable them to meet the challenges of the digital educational environment. Based on the analysis of existing policies and studies, specific actions are proposed to reduce the digital divide and thereby promote a more inclusive and equitable educational system.