Analyzing Usage and Effectiveness Of E-Learning Applications among Rural and Urban Students: An Empirical Study

Although Information communication technology was bound to transform teaching learning pedagogy in developing nations, advent of Covid-19 and subsequent nation-wide lock down has acted as a catalyst for the process. Experience from developed world has shown that Information Communication Technology enhances learning process. In India there has always been a prevalence of dichotomy of resources between rural and urban regions. Government of India has taken initiatives like Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Gar Yojana to strengthen socio economic infrastructure in rural area. Along with this some of the State Governments like that of Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have initiatives to promote digital learning among students in both urban and rural areas. In this context it becomes pertinent to analyze whether students in rural area are on par with the students in urban area to access digital learning. This is even more relevant as nearly 65% of Indian population resides in rural areas. Our research paper aims to suggest appropriate policy suggestions to bridge this gap, if any.