Abstract

VILLACIS ZAMBRANO, Lilia Moncerrate  and  ARTURO MEDRANDA, Yraida Mariela. Insufficient Technological Connectivity Determines Delays in Assignments for Rural Students. Rev. Sci. [online]. 2024, vol.9, n.33, pp.361-381.  Epub May 10, 2025. ISSN 2542-2987.  https://doi.org/10.29394/scientific.issn.2542-2987.2024.9.33.17.361-381.

This study analyzes how insufficient technological connectivity affects school assignment submission in rural areas of Cantón Sucre, Ecuador. The research is based on the digital divide that compromises rural students' academic development, particularly accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a mixed methodological approach (quantitative and qualitative), an online questionnaire was administered to 71 rural inhabitants using simple random sampling. The results, analyzed with SPSS (Cronbach's Alpha: 0,964), reveal that 67,6% of participants regularly experience connectivity problems, while 95,8% consider internet access essential for assignment submission. Additionally, 69% recognize technology's transformative potential for improving educational processes. The study concludes that the digital divide in these communities is not due to cultural resistance but to structural barriers that perpetuate educational inequalities. Positive perceptions about technology represent an opportunity to implement adapted solutions that respond to local needs. The findings underscore the urgency of comprehensive public policies that simultaneously address technological infrastructure, teacher training, and access to appropriate devices to ensure educational equity.

Keywords : digital divide; rural areas; education; connectivity; educational technology.

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