EVALUATING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE BETWEEN SAUDI UNIVERSITY ACADEMICS AND GEN Z STUDENTS

Abstract

In this paper, the digital divide between Saudi University academics and the younger Generation Z group, which includes those born in 2001 or later, is discussed. Because of their upbringing surrounded by the internet and other digital technology, Generation Z is seen as being digitally native. They therefore approach education and learning in differently previous generations, primarily reliant on technology. Generation Z is increasingly enrolling in higher education; thus, it is critical for institutions to evaluate any potential digital divide between this age group and academic staff. Hence, to investigate this digital divide, the author conducted a quantitative research study among Saudi Arabian scholars and students. The findings show a distinct disparity in the degree of the digital divide between academics and students. Generation Z students had the highest level of digital nativity 3.56, whereas academic staff (Gen X and Gen Y) had a lower level 3.49. The study's conclusions can provide institutions with important information for creating efficient teaching and learning strategies that meet the needs of this generation. Keywords: Generation Z, Digital Divide, Higher Education, Nativity, Academics DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.3.31

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