Importance and Challenges of Online Learning in Higher Educational Institutions During COVID-19 in Uttarakhand State of India

Abstract

This chapter assesses the importance and challenges of digital learning in HEIs during COVID-19 in Uttarakhand. It conducted an online survey of 500 students studying in various programmes of HEIs. Quantitative and qualitative data are collected from the students. A total of 396 respondents recorded their responses on various questions related to study. The descriptive results claimed that the skills and learning capacity of most of the students were adversely affected due to online teaching during COVID-19 in HEIs. Teachers and students have faced several challenges to accomplish their objectives related to teaching and learning in online mode. Content-based analysis was applied to explore the impact of digital platforms on skills and learning of students. It inferred that digital platforms possess a negative impact on HEIs. HEIs, therefore, should create appropriate ICT infrastructure and e-platform to increase skills of the students and teachers during online learning.