Perception of Digital Learning Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Creating Distance Learning Opportunities in Delhi NCR.

Abstract

The digital learning landscape experienced rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Delhi NCR, fostering a safe and secure educational environment. This present study aims to assess digital learning perception and opportunities for distance learning, examining the influence of demographic factors on digital learning perception amid the pandemic. Data from 400 respondents were collected via survey questionnaires in June-July 2022, employing a five-point Likert scale. Among the valid respondents, 108 were university teachers and 292 were university students, with 168 from public universities and 232 from private ones. Gender distribution included 272 male and 128 female respondents, with 236 residing in urban areas and 164 in rural ones. Communication methods varied, with 68 respondents using mobile networks, 184 using mobiles with broadband-WiFi connections, and 148 using computers with broadband-WiFi connections.

Findings indicate similar positive digital learning perceptions among teachers and students, as well as between genders. However, respondents from public universities and urban areas exhibited higher digital learning perceptions compared to their counterparts from private universities and rural areas, respectively. Additionally, respondents using broadband-WiFi connections, whether through mobiles or computers, showed higher digital learning perception than those relying solely on mobile networks. Nonetheless, no significant difference was observed in digital learning perception between respondents using mobiles with broadband-WiFi and those using computers with broadband-WiFi. Consequently, there is a need for improved mobile network facilities to enhance digital distance education. Ultimately, the study suggests that as digital learning perception increases, so too does the potential for digital distance learning systems in education. Leveraging the positive digital learning perception cultivated during the COVID-19 pandemic, a robust digital distance learning system can be developed in Delhi NCR.