PARADIGM SHIFT FROM CONVENTIONAL TO DIGITAL CLASSROOMS

A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The world is experiencing the threat of massive devastation. An unusual disease outbreak
which has no remedial measure, COVID 19 (novel corona virus) is upsetting the ecological balance
and stability of mankind. In this communicable pandemic situation a digital classroom is
the only alternative left for us to continue the education system. To compare this new digital
platform of teaching learning method with the conventional teaching method certain parameters
must be taken as the point of consideration. The researchers conducted an online survey
and collected data from 100 teacher educators and 100 school teachers from urban region
and suburb region. The survey was designed in a mode of both qualitative and quantitative research.
Self made standardized questionnaire or Google form was used as a tool for the study.
The present study was undertaken to identify which method or mode of teaching is better
- Conventional or Digital. The final data was analysed quantitatively. Two clear distinguishing
factors were identified by qualitative analysis viz, age and locality. Though it was finally concluded
that the digital mode of teaching is the only way out in this present situation but the
list of limitations were long. Teacher educators and school teachers of Suburb regions were
facing issues with low bandwidth of internet, unavailability of suitable electronic gadgets and
personal mobiles or computers. On the other hand the educators of the urban area are well
equipped with all the electronic gadgets and the internet speed is also found to be high. Age
was found to be another distinguishing factor which showed that children below the age of 13
are facing a lot of issues in understanding the mechanism of handling the gadgets. Whereas
the children above 13 years were found to be very tech-savvy and they could take up this