Authors : Yinka Samuel Ogunlana; Amina Catherine Peter-Anyebe; Ayowole Samuel Ajiboye; Tahir Kolawole Balogun

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 10 - October

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bdz4nkae

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3wv84cxt

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct126

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.

Abstract : Digital equity has emerged as a fundamental dimension of political participation in the United States, particularly within underserved communities where structural barriers limit access to technology and civic engagement opportunities. This review examines how instructional design interventions can bridge digital divides and foster inclusive political participation. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of democratic participation, social justice, and critical pedagogy, the article explores strategies such as community-based digital literacy programs, mobile learning platforms, and culturally responsive instructional models. These interventions not only enhance technical competencies but also empower individuals to navigate online civic spaces, engage in digital activism, and influence policy discourse. The review highlights case studies of successful initiatives that integrate instructional design with grassroots organizing, emphasizing the role of local knowledge, peer learning, and participatory design. It further analyzes challenges such as infrastructural disparities, algorithmic bias, and sustainability of interventions in marginalized contexts. The findings suggest that intentional instructional design can function as both a pedagogical and political tool, enabling underserved populations to assert agency in democratic processes. Ultimately, this study highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches that combine education, technology, and political science to achieve digital equity and strengthen democratic participation.

Keywords : Digital Equity, Political Participation, Instructional Design, Underserved Communities, United States.

References :

1. Abiodun, K., Alaka, E., Jinadu, S. O., Igba, E., & Ezeh, V. N. (2025). A Review of Federated Learning Approaches for Predictive Modeling and Confidential Data Analysis in Lending and Borrowing Behavior Across Decentralized Financial Networks. Finance & Accounting Research Journal, X(3), July 2025.  https://doi.org/10.51594/farj.v7i3.
2. Ajiboye, A. S., Balogun, T. K., Imoh, P. O., Ijiga, A. C., Olola, T. M., & Ahmadu, E. O. (2025). Understanding the impact of social media on mental health in autistic youth and expanding access to culturally responsive behavioral health services in underserved communities. International Journal of Scientific Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRHSS25234
3. Akinleye, K. E., Jinadu, S. O., Onwusi, C. N., & Raphael, favour O. (2022). Utilizing Enhanced Artificial Lift Technologies to Improve Oil Production Rates in Aging Onshore American Petroleum Fields. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 1(6), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijsrmt.v1i6.802
4. Akinleye, K. E., Jinadu, S. O., Onwusi, C. N., Omachi, A. & Ijiga, O. M. (2023). Integrating Smart Drilling Technologies with Real-Time Logging Systems for Maximizing Horizontal Wellbore Placement Precision International Journal of Scientific Research in Science, Engineering and Technology Volume 11, Issue 4 doi : https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRST2411429
5. Amebleh, J., & Igba, E. (2024). Causal Uplift for Rewards Aggregators: Doubly-Robust Heterogeneous Treatment-Effect Modeling with SQL/Python Pipelines and Real-Time Inference. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 3(5), 39–55. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijsrmt.v3i5.819
6. Amebleh, J., & Okoh, O. F. (2023). Explainable Risk Controls for Digital Health Payments: SHAP-Constrained Gradient Boosting with Policy-Based Access, Audit Trails, and Chargeback Mitigation. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 2(4), 13–28. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijsrmt.v2i4.746
7. Amebleh, J., Bamigwojo, O. V. & Enyejo, J. O. (2025). Automated UAT for Regulated Payment Systems: Property-Based Testing, Synthetic Data Generation, and IFRS/GAAP Revenue-Recognition Validation Gates International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology Volume 10, Issue 9,   https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25sep331
8. Balogun, T. K., Kalu, O. C., Ijiga, A. C., Olola, T. M., & Ahmadu, E. O. (2024). Building advocacy coalitions and analyzing lobbyists' influence in shaping gun control policies in a polarized United States. International Journal of Scholarly Research in Multidisciplinary Studies, 05(01), 88–102. https://srrjournals.com/ijsrms/content/building-advocacy-coalitions-and-analyzing-lobbyists-influence-shaping-gun-control-policies
9. Bennett, W. L., & Pfister, D. S. (2015). Civic communication in a digital age. Journal of Communication, 65(6), 873–889.
10. Boulianne, S. (2015). Social media use and participation: A meta-analysis of current research. Information, Communication & Society, 18(5), 524–538. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2015.1008542
11. Boulianne, S. (2020). Twenty years of digital media effects on civic and political participation. Communication Research, 47(7), 947–966. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650218808186
12. Callwood, K. (N.d.) Blended Learning Trends: Mobile & Ubiquitous Environments https://hyperspace.mv/blended-learning-trends-mobile-ubiquitous-environments/
13. DiMaggio, P., & Hargittai, E. (2001). From the "digital divide" to "digital inequality": Studying Internet use as penetration increases. Princeton Center for Arts and Cultural Policy Studies, Working Paper Series. https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=From+the+digital+divide+to+digital+inequality
14. DiMaggio, P., & Hargittai, E. (2001). From the “digital divide” to “digital inequality”: Studying Internet use as penetration increases. Princeton Center for Arts and Cultural Policy Studies, Working Paper Series, 15(1), 1–23.
15. Freire, P. (2000). Pedagogy of the oppressed (30th anniversary ed.). Continuum.
16. Frey, E. (2016). How to encourage better and more meaningful political participation in the US. Retrieved from: https://www.fordfoundation.org/news-and-stories/stories/how-to-encourage-better-and-more-meaningful-political-participation-in-the-us.
17. Gay, G. (2018). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
18. Giroux, H. A. (2020). On critical pedagogy.
19. Gorski, P. C. (2017). Reaching and teaching students in poverty: Strategies for erasing the opportunity gap. Teachers College Record, 118(1), 1–28.
20. Horrigan, J. B. (2016). Digital Readiness Gaps. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/09/20/digital-readiness-gaps/
21. Idika, C. N., James, U. U., Ijiga, O. M., Okika, N. &   Enyejo, L. A, (2024). Secure Routing Algorithms Integrating Zero Trust Edge Computing for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Networks in Disaster Response Operations International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, (IJSRMT) Volume 3, Issue 6, https://doi.org/10.38124/ijsrmt.v3i6.635
22. Idoko, I. P., Ijiga, O. M., Agbo, D. O., Abutu, E. P., Ezebuka, C. I., & Umama, E. E. (2024). Comparative analysis of Internet of Things (IoT) implementation: A case study of Ghana and the USA—vision, architectural elements, and future directions. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 11(1), 180–199.
23. Ijiga, A. C., Enyejo, L. A., Odeyemi, M. O., Olatunde, T. I., Olajide, F. I., & Daniel, D. O. (2024). Integrating community-based partnerships for enhanced health outcomes: A collaborative model with healthcare providers, clinics, and pharmacies across the USA. Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy, 10(02), 081–104. https://oarjbp.com/content/integrating-community-based-partnerships-enhanced-health-outcomes-collaborative-model
24. Ijiga, A. C., Enyejo, L. A., Odeyemi, M. O., Olatunde, T. I., Olajide, F. I., & Daniel, D. O. (2024). Integrating community-based partnerships for enhanced health outcomes: A collaborative model with healthcare providers, clinics, and pharmacies across the USA. Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy, 10(02), 81–104. https://oarjbp.com/content/integrating-community-based-partnerships-enhanced-health-outcomes-collaborative-model
25. Ijiga, A. C., Enyejo, L. A., Odeyemi, M. O., Olatunde, T. I., Olajide, F. I., & Daniel, D. O. (2024). Integrating community-based partnerships for enhanced health outcomes: A collaborative model with healthcare providers, clinics, and pharmacies across the USA. Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy, 10(02), 081–104. https://oarjbp.com/content/integrating-community-based-partnerships-enhanced-health-outcomes-collaborative-model
26. Ijiga, O. M., Ifenatuora, G. P., & Olateju, M. (2021). Bridging STEM and cross-cultural education: Designing inclusive pedagogies for multilingual classrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa. IRE Journals, 5(1), 1–15.
27. Ijiga, O. M., Ifenatuora, G. P., & Olateju, M. (2021). Digital storytelling as a tool for enhancing STEM engagement: A multimedia approach to science communication in K-12 education. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 2(5), 495–505. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMRGE.2021.2.5.495-505
28. Ijiga, O. M., Ifenatuora, G. P., & Olateju, M. (2022). AI-Powered E-Learning Platforms for STEM Education: Evaluating effectiveness in low bandwidth and remote learning environments. International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 8(5), 455–475. https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRCSEIT
29. Izundu, F. C., Imoh, P. O., Enyejo, J. O., & Olola, T. M. (2025). Designing inclusive urban planning platforms integrating real-time sign language interpretation for Deaf community participation in policymaking. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16894453
30. Izundu, F. C., Imoh, P. O., Enyejo, J. O., & Olola, T. M. (2025). Designing inclusive urban planning platforms integrating real-time sign language interpretation for Deaf community participation in policymaking. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16894453
31. James, U. U. (2024). Blockchain Based Compliance Auditing For GRC Integration in Hybrid Cloud IT Governance Frameworks. International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology doi :https://doi.org/10.32628/CSEIT24113368
32. James, U. U., Ijiga, O. M. & Enyejo, L. A. (2025), Zero Trust Network Access Enforcement for Securing Multi-Slice Architectures in 5G Private Enterprise Deployments. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT) Volume 10, Issue 8   https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug323
33. James, U. U., Salami, E. O. & Enyejo, L. A. (2025). Real Time Policy Orchestration for Cybersecurity Risk Management in GRC Aligned Financial Technology Infrastructures International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology Volume 10, Issue 8 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug1021
34. Kahne, J., & Bowyer, B. (2018). The Political Significance of Social Media Activity and Social Networks. Political Communication, 35(3), 470–493. https://doi.org/10.1080/10584609.2018.1426662
35. Kraemer, K. L., Dedrick, J., & Sharma, P. (2009). One laptop per child: Vision vs. reality. Communications of the ACM, 52(6), 66–73. https://doi.org/10.1145/1516046.1516063
36. Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2010). Evaluation of evidence-based practices in online learning: A meta-analysis and review of online learning studies. U.S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED505824
37. Mossberger, K., Tolbert, C. J., & McNeal, R. S. (2008). Digital citizenship: The Internet, society, and participation. MIT Press.
38. Norris, P. (2003). Digital divide: Civic engagement, information poverty, and the Internet worldwide. Cambridge University Press.
39. Obermeyer, Z., Powers, B., Vogeli, C., & Mullainathan, S. (2019). Dissecting racial bias in an algorithm used to manage the health of populations. Science, 366(6464), 447–453. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aax2342
40. Oloba, B. L., Olola, T. M., & Ijiga, A. C. (2024). Powering reputation: Employee communication as the key to boosting resilience and growth in the U.S. service industry. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 23(03), 2020–2040. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.3.2689
41. Oloba, B. L., Olola, T. M., & Ijiga, A. C. (2024). Powering reputation: Employee communication as the key to boosting resilience and growth in the U.S. service industry. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 23(3), 2020–2040. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.3.2689
42. Ononiwu, M., Azonuche, T. I., & Enyejo, J. O. (2025). Assessing Kanban Implementation for Secure Workflow Optimization in Cloud DevOps Using Zero Trust Architecture Enhancements, Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025,  DOI:  https://doi.org/10.30574/msarr.2025.14.1.0072
43. Oyekan, M., Jinadu, S. O. & Enyejo, J. O. (2025). The Role of Strategic Asset Management in Accelerating the Energy Transition,  Volume 10, Issue 9, DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25sep792
44. Pfister, D. S. (2015). The real cyber war: The political economy of internet freedom. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcom.12180
45. Robinson, L., Cotten, S. R., Ono, H., Quan-Haase, A., Mesch, G., Chen, W., ... & Stern, M. J. (2015). Digital inequalities and why they matter. Information, Communication & Society, 18(5), 569–582. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2015.1012532
46. Selwyn, N. (2021). Education and technology: Key issues and debates (2nd ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing. https://doi.org/10.5040/9781350056625
47. Smith, A. (2013). Civic engagement in the digital age. Pew Research Center, 25, 307-332.
48. Theocharis, Y., & Van Deth, J. W. (2018). Political participation in a changing world: Conceptual and empirical challenges in the study of citizen engagement. Routledge Handbook of Civil and Political Engagement. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315691874
49. Ussher-Eke, D., Emmanuel, I. O., Ijiga, O. M. & Enyejo, J. O. (2025). Improving Employee Engagement and Safety through The Use of Iot-Enabled Monitoring Tools in Human Resource Practices. Journal of Technology & Innovation, Zibeline International Publishing 5(2): 48-55. DOI: http://doi.org/10.26480/jtin.02.2025.48.55
50. Van Deursen, A. J. A. M., & van Dijk, J. A. G. M. (2014). The digital divide shifts to differences in usage. New Media & Society, 16(3), 507–526. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444813487959
51. Veletsianos, G., & Moe, R. (2017). The rise of educational technology as a sociocultural phenomenon. Learning, Media and Technology, 42(4), 425–435. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2016.1232749
52. Warschauer, M., & Matuchniak, T. (2010). New technology and digital worlds: Analyzing evidence of equity in access, use, and outcomes. Review of Research in Education, 34(1), 179–225. https://doi.org/10.3102/0091732X09349791
53. Warschauer, M., & Matuchniak, T. (2010). New technology and digital worlds: Analyzing evidence of equity in access, use, and outcomes. Review of Research in Education, 34(1), 179–225. https://doi.org/10.3102/0091732X09349791
54. Zawacki-Richter, O., Bozkurt, A., Alturki, U., & Aldraiweesh, A. (2018). What research says about MOOCs—An explorative content analysis. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 19(1), 243–264. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v19i1.3356