The introduction of computers in Indian schools runs parallel with the development of a digital divide in the country. In addition to the formal ways in which government policies shape access to computers in schools, deeper informal cultures of the state and schools shape opinion about these technologies. In this paper, we examine three levels of…

This synthesis report summarises the impact of technology-enabled learning (TEL) initiatives by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) across Member Countries, emphasising the role of TEL in enhancing educational outcomes. The report provides an overview of blended learning (BL) interventions, highlighting successful strategies, technological…

Purpose: This paper explored the impact of prolonged lockdown caused by coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic on the academic aspects of veterinary students of India and its relationship with their socio-economic status. Design/methodology/approach: We conducted a study with 224 first-year veterinary students engaged in e-learning system from…

The undergraduate and postgraduate studies of colleges and universities in India have been affected badly amidst the lockdowns for COVID-19 pandemic. The Government has insisted to start the academic activity through online platforms. The biggest concern for the academic institutions now is to select an appropriate e-learning platform. This paper…

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has impacted catastrophically every sector of the economy throughout the world. And, the education sector is not leftover from the devastating effects of lockdown, especially in South Asia. It has led to the prolonged closure of schools/universities, subsequently, traditional teaching…

This brief summarizes a case study that assessed the gendered impact of COVID-19 school closures on education, health, well-being, and protection of adolescents in India. Based on surveys and interviews in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, findings point to the digital divide for girls as well as shared barriers to effective remote learning. Informed by…

Purpose: This research study aimed to collect feedback from the learners on the usefulness and effectiveness of the online counselling sessions organised during COVID-19 lockdown through online platforms to provide academic support to the learners. Design/methodology/approach: The link of a questionnaire designed in a Google Form sent to IGNOU…

The integration of metaverse technologies in the Indian education system presents transformative opportunities for enhancing the learning experience through personalized and immersive instruction. This study explores the potential of the metaverse to foster student engagement and improve educational outcomes, aligning with the broader goal of…

Higher education in India was caught completely unawares by the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessitated closure of educational institutions. Despite almost a decade of experience with online and distance learning at some top-tier and private institutions, the vast majority were unprepared and looked for quick solutions for different components of…

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition to online learning, with synchronous e-learning becoming a critical modality in higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide. This shift, while ensuring educational continuity, has unveiled numerous challenges, especially in developing nations where resources and infrastructure…

The digital age has opened up new and exciting opportunities for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in universities. But, is going digital reinforcing the existing social inequalities? This qualitative research examines the three levels of digital divide and digital inequality among learners at India's National Open University, IGNOU. The findings…

Purpose: This research paper investigates the theoretical frameworks encompassing a nuanced analysis of the digital divide in the Indian educational context, recognising that it is not merely a matter of technology access but also the ability to effectively use the resource for enhancing learning outcomes. This research provides valuable insights…

COVID-19 has brought about changes to the education system that impact teachers in multiple ways. The article discusses the views of affected teachers under the three-gap framework: access, usage, and pedagogical skills gap. Between 29 April 2020, and 29 May 2020, an online survey was administered to 550 Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR)…

Knowing how to use digital technologies to pursue interests and create academic, civil, and economic opportunities is critical to meet the demands of the 21st century workplace. In India, the digital divide exists, as reflected both in the lack of infrastructure and the lack of knowledge needed to use that infrastructure to pursue one's interests.…

21st Century higher education aims to improve society through quality education and research. Productive transformation of teaching, learning, and evaluation processes in higher education institutions (HEIs) is possible through full-fledged implementation of breakthrough-technologies in 21st-Century HEIs. ICT, Artificial Intelligence and…