Research Contribution to the Progress of Digital Learning in India

ABSTRACT

In the era of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), E-learning and digitalization of education are considered to deliver a wide array of benefits that enhance knowledge and performance of the teaching and learning process in higher education institutes, leading to improved learning and teaching efficiency. Integration of digital technologies in education reduces barriers to access education and provides an opportunity for all. In this connection, the Government of India has taken several initiatives to integrate ICT in education, such as online teaching-learning programs through various platforms and organizations. While digital learning breaks several barriers of access to education for all, there are several limitations and issues to access digital education such as poor internet connectivity and bandwidth, lack of digital infrastructure, cost implications, training and development, and unfavorable study environment to address. It is in this regard, to better understand the state of digital education in India, the state of knowledge of research over the years, particularly the implications and impacts of digital education in India, is essential. In this regard, the aim of the study is to know the trends and progress of research in digital education in India. The bibliometric analysis of digital education research in India provides a better understanding of the trends and state of the art of research both for researchers and practitioners. In doing so, authors conducted a bibliometric analysis of digital education research in India terms year-wise and journal-wise publication output, productive authors, country-wise contribution, subject area-wise and funding sponsor-wise publication output, keyword and citation analysis. The study was conducted using the online Scopus database of the documents published on digital education till 2020. The study result shows that the progress of digital education research in India has increased over the years the research output published in top-tier journals was limited. Authors who have been affiliated to Indian universities contributed the most. Major research themes were E-learning, distance education, digital literacy, medical education, mobile learning, digital India, simulation, virtual labs, MOOCS, and COVID-19 pandemic. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.