E-learning readiness of teachers of two state agricultural universities: A comparative study in Northern India

Abstract

Advances in Information and Communication technologies (ICTs) have comprehensively transformed the academic landscape in education sector in India. Consequently, the process of teaching and learning along with educational programmes and pedagogy of instruction are being restructured, reformed and realigned to meet the expectations of a whole new breed of students entering the technical institutions. ICT applications in education sector can greatly enhance the quality of learning outcomes. The learners, through multifaceted ICT applications, can control the content, time and pace of learning. However, we need to assess the e-learning readiness of an educational institution and its different stakeholder before implementing any e-learning strategy. The present study was undertaken to assess and analyse the e-learning readiness of two premier State Agriculture Universities (SAUs) of North India. The study findings indicate the two SAUs under study are ‘ready but needs improvement’ on certain areas. The findings will prove to be useful for policy makers, educationists and researchers in determining the changes and challenges facing agriculture higher education in India and catalyse the plans for making all the SAUs in India to be e-ready.