Bridging Educational Inequality Through Educational Technology: A Literature-Based Analysis Toward Smart Society 5.0
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61987/jsse.v4i1.2929Keywords:
Educational Technology, Educational Equity, Inclusive Education, Smart Society 5.0Abstract
Educational inequality persists despite digital transformation, where access, capacity, and technological readiness remain uneven. Educational Technology offers opportunities to expand participation, personalize learning, and support inclusive education within Smart Society 5.0. This study aims to develop a framework explaining how Educational Technology can reduce educational inequality. A descriptive qualitative design using an Analytical Literature Review was employed. Literature from eight databases published between 2021 and 2026 was screened, evaluated, thematically coded, and synthesized. The findings show that Educational Technology expands access and learning flexibility across geographical and socioeconomic barriers. Artificial intelligence and adaptive systems support personalized learning pathways. Learning analytics and assistive technologies strengthen monitoring, accessibility, and learner autonomy. However, infrastructure gaps, digital literacy disparities, limited teacher competence, and fragmented policies constrain equitable implementation. The study identifies teachers as facilitators of technology-enhanced inclusion. Its novelty is a framework integrating equitable digital infrastructure, continuous digital literacy, future-oriented curriculum innovation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The framework advances theory by positioning educational equity as the core outcome of digital transformation. Practically, it guides policymakers and institutions in designing sustainable, inclusive, resilient technology-enabled education systems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Iqbal Hidayatullah, Haziq Farda Isyrafi, Syarifah, Abu Darda, Cecep Sobar Rochmat
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