Scope and limitations of digital learning's in developing countries: A real time survey

ABSTRACT

Since its inception in 2019, coronavirus wreaked havoc on health and economical systems of the world. The impact of COVID-19 on Education system is most important area of concern as economy and health structures can be reformed, but compromised education system can damage even future hope of the globe. Resourceful educational systems were able to opt certain technological system to provide the best possible care of their scholars through IT and other means of AI. But, developing countries, like India where the reach of internet connectivity and teaching methodologies are major barrier while adopting the online mode of delivering the syllabi content. In our previously published survey report on outcome of online teaching-learning during COVID-19, we concluded that digital learning cannot replace the conventional methodology of education though it can help in building education system more effective. The announcement of third wave of COVID-19 by WHO sparked panic among students as well as educational, systems. This paper is a small initiative to understand the students' perception and adaptation towards digital education reforms along with their sentiments ranging from complete acceptance of online classes over traditional teaching techniques. In this survey, we shared online questionnaire in different educational institutions of India through different stake holders. We received the response of 284 students from 12 states of the country. Our survey reports around 70% students are feeling fit to face the third wave of COVID as a student. Zoom app has established as more convenient and popular platform to get connected for digital learning. About 60% of students are comfortable while adopting the digital learning and study from home. Certain issues related to training of faculty while adopting digital learning style and methodology, practical exposure and compromised one-to-one interaction is still a big challenge for the students.