Print to Digital: A Study of Students’ Psychosomatic Cost in Traditional and E-Learning

Abstract

The information age is characterized by the instant access to knowledge that empowers one to compete, grow and succeed. Traditional instructor-led training based on text book learning is a vast and colossal system to gain knowledge. Nevertheless, transition from traditional to e-learning system allows for transformation in educational paradigms and behavior, thus creating a new culture regarding learning and the implementation of technological evolution in education. A survey was carried out among hundred undergraduates, postgraduates and research scholars of Indian Universities to assess the impact of transition from traditional to e-learning on their psychosomatic behavior and reasons thereof. This included the psychological challenges, i.e. stress, nervousness and anxiety, in the students because of the inadequate facilities and infrastructure, apprehensions to adopt a new system, lack of computer literacy and faith on the technology, and any other cause. It was also evaluated whether the students were able to cope up with psychological challenges after imparting training and familiarization with e-learning. Based on the survey the best and most sound method of learning in Indian context was explored.