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@article{206963,
        author = {Dil Kumar Thakuri},
        title = {Access, Equity, and the Digital Divide in Open and Distance Learning in Nepal: A Critical Literature Review},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {2},
        pages = {3533-3543},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=206963},
        abstract = {The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) approach is increasing in Nepal these days. The paper explores the access, equity, and the digital divide in ODL Nepalese context. The paper employs a qualitative research approach applying interpretivism as the research paradigm and literature review as the main research method. Theories of Transaction Distance and Community of Inquiry have been adopted to interpret the data. The arguments are based on the existing studies, policy documents, institutional reports, and the authors’ own experiences. The study finds unstable the Internet connection, frequent electrical power cut, less opportunities for learners and teachers’ interaction and relatively less knowledge of digital literacy both in teachers and students are the major findings related to access, equity, and the digital divide in ODL in the study. Besides them, linguistic barriers to go through learning materials and difficulty of English language and even an unfavourable learning environment at home, are other findings in the study. So, the research can be significant for the institutions which are running programs in ODL approach and the policy makers who are designing ODL curriculum in Nepal. The study can also be useful to students and teachers who are practicing ODL mode as an educational approach to teaching and learning.  Thus, the concern authorities and academic institutions need to address the above mentioned findings to make the ODL approach accessible and reach the unreached.},
        keywords = {Open and Distance Learning, Digital Divide, Access, Equity, Literature Review, Transactional Distance, and Community of Inquiry},
        month = {July},
        }