Nasim Ghanbari

Despite the improvement of technology in educational contexts, it is needed to investigate the issue of the digital divide among instructors and learners in universities and institutions of English in Afghanistan during COVID-19. This research aimed to find out the English universities and institutions teachers’ and students’ perceptions regarding the digital divide during COVID-19 in Afghanistan. Using a survey design, two questionnaires were developed in online mode and shared through social media with both teachers and students in both public and private universities and institutions. Beside the participants’ demographic information including age, education, and organizations, the three components (access, challenges and effects) were reported and discussed based on the teachers’ and learners’ perceptions. On the whole, a body of 155 teachers’ questionnaires and 183 questionnaires from the students were received. The results showed that, in the first place, teachers and students faced a great crisis because of the internet and digital tools. Additionally, both teachers and students also experienced the challenges. The result showed that the teachers did not have enough capability for using digital devices, insufficient technological resources, and no support for students. Eventually, the research examined the effects of COVID-19 on the perspectives of English teachers and learners with regard to the digital divide. The results of the study provide several implications, for example, the limited access to technology and the internet, widening the digital divide between urban and rural areas.