Challenges and Opportunities of Online Learning in Developing Countries

Abstract

The international trend to digital education is a two-sided reality facing the developing nations as it is fraught with challenges and at the same time offers a chance of substantial change. This paper discusses possible issues and opportunities of online learning in developing nations, and it aims to comprehend the role of socio-economic, technological, and institutional determinants that precondition the efficiency and access to digital learning. The study relies on the secondary data gathered from internet sources, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, international reports, government reports, and educational databases that have not older than 2019 and 2025, respectively. The systematic literature review methodology was used to locate, appraise, and aggregate the pertinent studies. Data analysis was made thematic, as a way of categorizing the findings into large domains of challenges and opportunities. The review has shown that there are constant difficulties like low internet connectivity, lack of digital infrastructure, teacher readiness, and economic inequality. On the other hand, there are also substantial opportunities that have been created as a result of open educational resources (OERs), mobile learning platforms, and international partnerships that are engaged in advancing the cause of digital inclusion. The results show that on-line learning can address the learning gaps that might exist in cases that are supported by proper infrastructure, training and policy interventions.