Impact of Digital E-Learning Implementation on the Growth of Higher Education in Gangarampur Block, Dakshin Dinajpur District, West Bengal

Abstract

The implementation of e-learning in rural India remains uneven, creating a digital divide in higher education. This study examines the challenges and prospects of digital learning in the Gangarampur Block of Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining secondary data analysis with preliminary field observations from 30 students and 5 teachers to assess infrastructure, internet access, and teacher preparedness. The findings reveal that while students show enthusiasm for digital learning, significant barriers—including unstable internet connectivity, insufficient teacher training, and limited awareness of formal platforms—impede effective adoption. The reliance on informal platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube highlights gaps in the formal e-learning infrastructure. The study concludes that without targeted interventions such as strengthened internet infrastructure, structured teacher training, and awareness campaigns, the potential of digital education in this rural region remains underutilized. The novelty of this research lies in its micro-level focus on the Gangarampur Block, an under-researched area, providing specific insights into the local barriers to e-learning