Buffering to brilliance: fixing the digital learning divide

The integration of digital technology in education has grown substantially in recent years, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Educational institutions worldwide adopted various digital platforms to ensure the continuity of learning, resulting in a notable shift towards online and blended learning models (UNESCO, 2020). In Malaysia, the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in March 2020 necessitated a rapid transition to online learning for schools and universities, with limited preparation time. This sudden shift highlighted both the potential and the limitations of digital learning. While digital learning offers numerous advantages, such as flexibility, accessibility, and the ability to customise educational content, it also underscores existing educational inequalities and introduces new challenges, including maintaining meaningful student engagement.