AN INVESTIGATION OF E-LEARNING READINESS (E-CONTENT BROWSING, ECOMMUNICATION, E-ASSESSMENT) AMONG OPEN DISTANCE LEARNERS

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology have played a vital role in almost every field of life and especially in
education. Now, physical classes are being converted into virtual classrooms. E-learning is now becoming a
channel for many educational institutions. The key idea behind E-learning is to get access to a wide range of
resources and material at learners’ convenience. The increasing importance of this mode of study and the
commencement of several tools and technologies also generates debate whether the learners are ready for elearning
or not. This is the main agenda the researcher came up with in this research. However, the most important
thing is to identify the relationship between the involved learners’ behaviors and their needs and perceptions.
Because how to use a system is a vital indicator of the success of that system. The recent research aims to examine
the willingness amongst AIOU students in terms of their concerns, perspectives, and needs. Moreover, data were
collected via an E-Learning Readiness Assessment survey based on three basic aspects i.e., E-Content Browsing
(ECB), E-Communication (EC) and E-Assessment & E-Assignment (EA). Then, statistical analysis is done using
these constructs to find users keenness and endorsement towards e-learning amongst AIOU students. Analysis
shows is no significant gender wise difference towards E-learning. However, a significant difference is seen between
rural and urban students’ readiness levels. Also, there was a strong impact of the constructs we explored and
presented through this study.