Digitalization and Access Problems in Education After the Pandemic in the Example of Türkiye

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered quarantine and isolation processes on a global scale, leading to a deep crisis in all areas of life. This situation has caused significant changes felt in every sector of life, including education systems. The continuous development of technology and its integration in the field of education have highlighted the role of digitalization in this process. The pandemic has necessitated the rapid transfer of education methods to digital environments, causing traditional classroom environments to be replaced by online education platforms. The widespread use of distance education applications and the increasing use of digital tools in education have offered new opportunities in learning processes, while also bringing with them obstacles such as inequalities in access to technology and infrastructure problems. The aim of this study is to examine and determine the role of digitalization in education after the pandemic. The study addressed the concept of digitalization and its relationship with education, and examined the impact of the pandemic on the digitalization process in education. This study, which is a qualitative study, was conducted through a literature review supported by the document analysis method. The current status of digitalization in education after the pandemic, its effects on accessibility and student success were evaluated. As a result, the pandemic has shown that digitalization in education is an inevitable necessity and has presented an opportunity for the reshaping of education systems. In the near future, it is envisaged that digital learning will become a fundamental component of education rather than a support or alternative to face-to-face learning.