Adoption of Web 2.0 tools in higher education in India: a study

Abstract

PurposeThe study aims to determine the awareness and extent of use of Web 2.0 technologies in Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).Design/methodology/approachThe study is a questionnaire-based survey on the usage of Web 2.0 technologies among students, research scholars and library and information science professionals of the IITs and IIMs. The research data of the respondents were acquired by visiting their respective institutes. The sample of the study reveals that 1,400 questionnaires were distributed among the users of select IITs and IIMs; 1,100 questionnaires were received, showing a response rate of 78.57 per cent.FindingsThe findings of the study imply that young respondents are genuinely interested in the activities of Web 2.0. Also, respondents were found to be aware and making use of such applications in their research and academic works. Social networking sites have received prominent responses among all categories of respondents. Web 2.0 technologies are mostly used for exploring useful and up-to-date information, academic and research and socializing. The time consumption and fear of misusing personal information are major obstacles in accessing of Web 2.0.Research limitations/implicationsThis study encompasses the population of select IITs and IIMs. It also signifies the potential of Web 2.0 in the academia.Practical implicationsThis study profoundly demonstrates the impact of Web 2.0 technologies on higher education in India. This study may establish as a valuable guide for researchers in understanding Web 2.0 in its proper perspective.Originality/valueThe research provides reliable and factual data, which are worth and justifiable and highlight the considerable observations on the topic, which will be very useful for researchers in this area.