Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on some academic aspects of veterinary students of India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose This paper explored the impact of prolonged lockdown caused by coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic on the academic aspects of veterinary students of India and its relationship with their socio-economic status. Design/methodology/approach We conducted a study with 224 first-year veterinary students engaged in e-learning system from four veterinary colleges of India at the end of 7th week of lockdown using Google Forms questionnaire in a set of multiple-choice questions . The primary data were analysed using the non-parametric chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficients using the SAS software. Findings The pandemic situation exerted an effect over the socio-economic and academic aspects of the students. The alternate e-learning system of education was adapted to the veterinary students and the teachers . The techniques of e-learning were mostly useful for the students from less affected family with sound income. Practical implications The study suggests the decision-making for adopting e-learning system of education and also helps to assess the impact of lockdown in versatile socio-economic and diversified institutional infrastructural stratum of India. Theoretical implications Any education is effective when it results in changes of behavioural components such as knowledge, attitude, skill and action of an individual. Based on this basic theory, the study has been conducted, which will help the policy makers to make a strategic plan for the implementation of e-learning system as an effective alternative in teaching and learning of agricultural education system. Originality/Value This study provides a clear dimension about the degree of adoption of the e-learning system as a substitute of physical classroom teaching during crisis situation apart from any gender or institutes.