e-Readiness of teachers in higher agricultural education of north eastern hill states of India

Abstract

This study seeks to examine ICT integration and e-readiness of teachers in higher agricultural education in the North Eastern Hill (NEH) states of India. The paper draws from the Perceived e-Readiness Model (PREM) and relies on data collected from a survey of agricultural colleges from six NEH states of India, i.e. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura. Results of the study reveal that the awareness level about electronic portfolio among the teachers was quite high however, inadequate availability limits its usage. Smart phones and computer were used daily by 88 and 92% of the respondents. Use of other tools like video conference, e-portfolio, digital student report card, virtual class room and e-library was reported to be in the range of 1-14% only. Several individual factors, viz. training in ICT, operational knowledge of ICT tools, workload etc. were found to be affecting their usage. Among institutional level barriers, internet speed, supporting ICT infrastructural facilities and access to quality ICT tools were observed as key factors influencing ICT use and its integration in the higher agricultural education of the NEH states of India.