Reducing the technological gap between teachers and students in higher education: Challenges and opportunities

Higher education faces the challenge of a significant technology gap between students and faculty, where the former are generally more familiar with advanced digital tools, while the latter encounter barriers to their adoption. This discrepancy hinders the implementation of dynamic and inclusive learning environments that respond to contemporary technological demands. The objective of this article was to analyze the technology gap in the context of higher education, identifying the factors that perpetuate it and proposing strategies to reduce it effectively and equitably. Using a systematic review methodology, 26 relevant studies published between 2018 and 2023 were selected and analyzed, focusing on faculty perceptions, institutional barriers, and technology strategies. The search was conducted in databases such as Scopus, ERIC, and Google Scholar, following strict inclusion criteria to ensure the rigor of the analysis. The results highlighted three key areas: faculty resistance to technology, the lack of infrastructure and inclusive policies, and the positive impact of strategies such as active learning and ongoing faculty development. These strategies have shown potential for reducing the digital divide and promoting educational equity. Despite progress, significant gaps remain, such as the need to analyze the cultural and socioeconomic dynamics of technological integration, which presents an opportunity for future research.