Higher Education Institutions and Digital Practices in the Context of COVID-19

Before the Novel Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), an open distance learning system was prevalent in India. Only a few institutions delivered education through digital or hybrid modes. However, with the onset of COVID-19, the digital mode of education has gained popularity, and its prevalence is now commonplace. There is no easy substitute for the digital mode of education and its adoption involves multilevel changes. This paper examines adoption of the digital mode of imparting education by Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in India. Web interviews were undertaken with principal stakeholders hailing from diverse sets of India’s higher education institutions with the aim to understand in-depth, digital practices during COVID-19. Qualitative tools were used to analyse the data. The institutions found to be using heterogeneous ways to disseminate learning. While some of them practice a basic form of digitalisation, some had developed their own best practices. As a behavioural pattern, the development and prevalence of the digital mode may continue even post COVID-19. However, education through digital mode will persist to be plagued with challenges like digital divide.