Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant transformation in the way education is delivered, with e-learning becoming the primary mode of instruction worldwide. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh, this shift posed unique challenges for indigenous rural communities. The present study endeavours to investigate, explore, and diagnose the e-learning experience of the indigenous rural community residing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. The research employs a qualitative approach, and three specific areas from the aforementioned region were purposively selected for data collection. In order to accomplish the research objectives, a total of 60 semi-structured, in-depth interviews and participant observations were conducted. Data analysis used both a deductive method through thematic analysis and a hybrid integrated data-driven inductive approach. The Granheim method and Nvivo-12 software were used for data analysis, processing, and coding. The result revealed that the experiences of e-learning among indigenous students of Chittagong Hill Tracts have been suffering from technical illiteracy, insufficient equipment, and devices, poor network coverage, inattention in online classes, feeling isolation, moral degradation, and online addiction. Consequently, the majority of the indigenous students had unfavourable experiences with online teaching and learning techniques. Based on the results, the study recommends strategies to provide better access to e-learning resources, improve internet connectivity, provide access to devices, and enhance digital literacy for students in remote rural areas. Furthermore, the findings of the study will be crucial for academics, policymakers, stakeholders, and development practitioners in developing a stronger e-learning policy and practice for all, particularly for the indigenous rural community in Chittagong Hill Tracts.
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Data Availability
To ensure the confidentiality of those who participated, the survey data are not accessible to the public. However, even though the interview was conducted anonymously, disclosing demographic details could potentially reveal the identity of the respondents.
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Acknowledgements
We want to convey our appreciation to the individuals who participated in the study for sharing their poignant experiences and dedicating their time to it, which was done abruptly. Moreover, we are grateful for the important data and time are given by the NGOs and GOs personnel, including officers and field workers.
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MSS, MKS and BH initiated the study. MKI, MAH, MRU, and MEH collected the data and MSS, MKS and BH wrote the manuscript. MSS, MFHS, MRU and MKS processed the data and performed statistical analysis. MSS, BH, MFHS, MKS, and MAH revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Sohel, M.S., Sifullah, M.K., Hossain, B. et al. E-Learning Experience of Indigenous Rural Communities in the Face of COVID-19 Crisis in Chittagong Hills Tracts Region, Bangladesh: A Qualitative Investigation. Int. Journal of Com. WB (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42413-024-00207-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42413-024-00207-2