Attitude of Parents towards Digital- Education for Higher Education Learners in West Bengal

Abstract

Introduction: The rapid growth of technology has significantly impacted education, with digital learning becoming an increasingly popular mode. The study aims to understand the attitudes of parents towards online education, especially for higher education children, as this age group acquires critical skills that impact their future learning. Objectives: The primary objective is to examine the attitudes of parents (both fathers and mothers) towards online school education for higher education students. Methodology: The study employed a random sampling technique to select 100 parents from the North Kolkata region. The researchers developed a Likert-type attitude scale and a self-constructed attitude scale to gather data, which was then analyzed using percentage analysis. Findings: The analysis revealed that a significant majority of parents have reservations about the effectiveness of online education. Concerns include lack of motivation and engagement (79%), inadequate development of personality and social skills (72% and 60%), and reduced opportunities for extracurricular activities (63%). Additionally, logistical issues like internet connectivity (47%) and challenges for families with lower financial resources (67%) were noted. Some positive aspects acknowledged include cost savings (62%) and utility in critical situations (83%). However, these are overshadowed by the concerns about comprehensive development offered by traditional learning methods. Conclusion: The study concludes that most parents surveyed are not in favour of online education for higher education children, citing various disadvantages such as limited development of social and emotional skills, lack of physical activities, and the need for significant parental involvement. The researchers suggest that while online education can be an effective medium in critical situations, it should only be a temporary solution and not a replacement for traditional face-to-face learning.