The Digital Transformation of E-learning during COVID-19 Pandemic

Description

Page: 471-475

Baljeet Kaur and Gagandeep Banga (School of Business Studies, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a global health crisis with far-reaching effects on both social and economic spheres. Prior to this, educational institutions-schools, colleges, and universities-relied predominantly on traditional, face-to-face teaching methods. The sudden onset of the pandemic accelerated a shift from conventional learning to digital platforms, compelling educators worldwide to adopt online instruction almost overnight. This abrupt transition posed significant challenges for the global education system. Research conducted internationally has highlighted factors such as the rapid growth of knowledge, the expansion of education, the limitations of traditional teaching methods, and the increasing pedagogical potential of computer technology, all of which make the digital transformation of teaching and learning both inevitable and essential. This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on education, focusing on the challenges encountered by teachers and students. It also discusses the prospects for higher education in the post-pandemic era and outlines strategies to strengthen e-learning in this domain. The concluding section offers key insights that may guide the sustainable digitalization of education in the years ahead.