E-learning adoption: a comparative analysis of public sentiments during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated e-learning adoption, presenting both opportunities and challenges for educational development, particularly in the context of Information Technology for Development (ITD). This study profiles public sentiments on e-learning to identify key factors influencing IT-enabled education. A text analysis of Tweets from the United States and India posted from March 2020 to January 2022 was conducted using a computer-aided text analysis and natural language processing alongside a content analysis using a machine learning technique. Findings show positive sentiments towards e-learning from both countries, with trust, anticipation, and joy as predominant emotion categories. Themes of strongest importance are students, schools, and education as central to e-learning discussions. The study also uncovers challenges such as the need for internet infrastructure and teacher training in digital pedagogy. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of how information technologies can address educational challenges and promote development in diverse global contexts.