Gender Digital Divide in Higher Education: A Study on University of Barisal, Bangladesh

Abstract

The descriptive study seeks to explore the digital divide between male and female students of University of Barisal, Bangladesh. The term digital divide is conceptualized in three aspects-access to, usage and ability to use ICTs. A total of 300 students were participated in this study where 150 were male and 150 were female. The field data show that though there are no significant differences in access to and usages of ICTs but there is a notable gender gap in ability of ICTs'usage (Smart Phone and Laptop/desktop). Female students are less efficient in downloading and installing software from internet. Moreover, they are not able to solve the virus related problems and aren't as competent in using MS word, excel and power point as male students are. The main reasons of this gender gap are mental dependency and less learning curiosity of female students in ICT sector.