Development Model of Factors Influencing the Adoption of Online Education Platforms for Promoting Educational Equity in Chinese Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

This research explores the determinants influencing the utilization of online education platforms within Chinese Higher Education Institutions (CHEIs) and examines their role in advancing educational equity, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4. Utilizing a structural equation modeling approach, the study analyzes data from a range of CHEIs, with a focus on both the direct and mediated effects of the digital divide on aspects of educational equity. The results reveal significant direct impacts of the digital divide on crucial educational aspects, notably equitable resource allocation and fairness in educational processes. Additionally, the research uncovers substantial indirect effects, indicating a complex interplay between the digital divide and the adoption of online education platforms, mediated by various dimensions of educational equity. This study not only enhances the theoretical understanding of the role of digital education in fostering educational equity but also provides practical insights for policymakers, educators, and technology providers. The findings are contextualized within the broader academic discourse, underscoring the critical role of online education in diminishing educational disparities. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of strategically adopting online platforms in CHEIs to enhance educational equity, highlighting how digital education can bridge socio-economic and geographical gaps in accessing quality education. The insights gained offer a strategic framework for leveraging technology to fulfill SDG4 objectives, thereby contributing to the creation of a more inclusive educational landscape in China and potentially in other similar contexts.