Challenges and Opportunities of Online and Hybrid Pedagogies in Education of Footwear Technology in India

Abstract

Abstract: This research aims to study the challenges and opportunities of online footwear technology education. It focuses on the major problems faced by students while attending online classes, who are doing Footwear Design and Production courses from various footwear and fashion institutions across India. This research will also identify the best online pedagogies in footwear technology by which students can get the best understanding during their classes. It is also targeted at how students can take more interest in online classes. Before COVID-19, educational institutions of footwear technology in India were teaching through offline mode. Once the pandemic started, it challenged the education system across the world and forced educators to shift to an online mode of teaching overnight. E-learning through online classes was familiar to everyone, thus it was reimplemented with the new format. Online education has proven to be a boon for everyone who is associated with the field of education in the COVID-19 pandemic time. However, it reflects the further scope of improvement. To examine this, two separate environments were created for the same group of students. Innovative methods of online teaching were introduced. The grasping capacity of both groups was analyzed and compared. Students were approached online through the questionnaire. Various educationalists, professors, and footwear veterans have been consulted for the research. Keywords: COVID, Online Education, Innovation, Footwear Technology, E-learning