Educational Continuity in Emergencies: The Role of Offline Digital Libraries in Under-Connected Communities
This article explores the critical need for adaptable educational models in times of crisis, focusing on strategies to overcome infrastructural and digital inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
By examining a case study of an offline digital library project implemented in South Sudan, this paper seeks to examine the impact of an offline digital educational solution for low-resource and crisis situations.
The authors utilize a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis, to evaluate the use and impact of the SolarSPELL Initiative’s offline digital libraries in South Sudan.
This study contributes to our understanding of digital and information literacy within crisis contexts, highlighting the vital role of localized, offline content.
The findings demonstrate that offline digital solutions can effectively mitigate educational disruptions by providing an accessible means to continue education during emergencies.
Recommendations for practitioners include the adoption of robust offline digital learning solutions to promote educational continuity.
The authors recommend that researchers continue investigating the potential of offline digital educational solutions for low-resource and crisis situations.
Ultimately, this article finds that offline digital libraries, when paired with skill-building, are a viable means to lessen digital disparities and promote educational continuity in times of crisis and beyond.
The study suggests further exploration into the long-term impacts of such interventions on learning outcomes.
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