Access to technology matters in education, but just how much?

Today is UNESCO’s International Day of Education, and it highlights the role education plays in peace, social stability and long-term development. In practice, modern education relies heavily on technology, whether or not that dependence is acknowledged.

Most education systems now operate through digital tools. Learning materials are shared online. Communication between students and educators happens through platforms, email or apps. Assignments, feedback and research are often digital by default. Without access to basic technology, participation becomes limited very quickly.

This matters because unequal access leads to unequal outcomes. Missed information, delayed submissions and reduced access to resources may seem minor in isolation, but over time they shape who keeps up and who falls behind. Education stops acting as a leveller when access to its tools is uneven.

For many learners, particularly in lower-income households or under-resourced areas, a smartphone is the primary personal device available. It serves as a way to research, communicate, store information and stay connected to education systems that assume online access. That reality exists regardless of policy or preference.

Technology also supports inclusion in concrete ways. Accessibility features enable participation for students with disabilities. Remote access allows learning to continue for those balancing education with work, health or caring responsibilities. Digital resources reduce reliance on physical infrastructure that isn’t always available.

Access to technology doesn’t guarantee good education. Teaching quality, structure and support still matter. But without access, education becomes harder to sustain and easier to abandon, particularly for those already at a disadvantage.

On International Day of Education, the focus isn’t on devices themselves. It’s on recognising that education now functions within a digital framework. Ensuring access to that framework supports participation, inclusion and long-term development.