Factors Influencing Online Education during Pandemic: A Study from a State of India

Abstract

Background and Aim: The Covid-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on the education sector worldwide, and India, as a developing country, is particularly hard hit. The pandemic and subsequent lockdown have turned traditional teaching and learning methods into digital ones, which is revolutionary, but providing internet access to all students in India is a significant rising difficulty. This paper investigates the teachers' perceptions on the factors influencing online education irrespective of rural and urban areas in an Indian state during a pandemic. Study Design: This study focuses on one state from Northeast India, i.e., Assam. The data are collected from various state districts, especially from school teachers (including little primary, upper primary, high school, and higher secondary). The study was conducted and completed around four months, from July to October 2021. Methodology: The primary data was collected with the help of a five-point Likert Scale because it dealt with the teachers' perspectives. A total of 81 samples were taken for the study. The study is descriptive. A simple linear regression shows the impact of the factors on online education in the study area. Results: The study found that during online class, the regular attendance of the students is 19.8 percent, while on the contrary, during offline class, the percentage is 70.4. 77.5 percent of teachers agreed that the irregularity of students in classes was caused due to non-accessibility of mobile phones. In contrast, 70 percent of teachers believe the family's poor economic condition (income) is the primary source of that irregularity. These two key components namely parental awareness, student willingness, and teacher class routine. Conclusion: According to the findings, improving the family's economic situation is necessary to maximize class potential. This research will also aid in the formulation of policy recommendations for raising people's incomes in Covid-19.