Digital Equity and Sustainability in Higher Education

Karmen Drljić (), Sonja Čotar Konrad, Sonja Rutar and Tina Štemberger
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Karmen Drljić: Faculty of Education, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
Sonja Čotar Konrad: Faculty of Education, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
Sonja Rutar: Faculty of Education, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
Tina Štemberger: Faculty of Education, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-15

Abstract: Digital equity, grounded in principles of equity and the ethics of care, is essential for ensuring quality higher education. It facilitates access, supports sustainability, and promotes inclusive education by addressing the technological dimensions of education. This study explores the relationship between digital equity and sustainability in higher education. A total of 167 students enrolled in initial teacher education programs at the University of Primorska, Faculty of Education, completed a questionnaire featuring the Digital Equity in Higher Education Scale and the Sustainability in Higher Education Scale. To achieve this study’s objectives, a principal factor analysis was conducted to validate the scales, and a multiple linear regression was employed to develop a predictive model. The findings revealed that digital equity in higher education comprises five dimensions as follows: (i) access to teachers who support the use of digital technology; (ii) access to digital technology and opportunities for its use; (iii) access to digital resources; (iv) access to culturally relevant software and applications; and (v) access to open-access resources. Sustainability in higher education encompasses two dimensions as follows: (i) collaborative problem solving and (ii) socioemotional aspects of sustainability. These dimensions interact in a complex manner. Key predictors of digital equity and sustainability included access to and use of digital technology, as well as collaborative problem solving. Importantly, this study highlighted the critical role of skilled teachers in facilitating the effective use of digital technology.

Keywords: digitalization; equity; sustainability; student teachers; higher education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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