A study on Digital Learning and its Motivating Factors for Working Professional in and around Pune – Research Paper

A study on Digital Learning and its Motivating Factors for
Working Professional in and around Pune – Research Paper

Authored by Dr. Sachin Bhide, Founder and Strategy Designer at Eha Management Consultancy
and Prajwal Suvarna, Nikita Deshmukh, Aditi Deshmukh worked as Summer Interns at Eha Management Consultancy

Sr.No Table of Contents Sr.No Table of Contents Sr.No Table of Contents
1 Abstract 2 Keywords 3 Objectives
4 Introduction 5 Research Methodology 6 Literature review
7 Research gap 8 Data Analysis and Interpretation 9 Findings
10 Limitations 11 Conclusion 12 References
13 Annexure

First published on 22 June 2020 by Eha Management Consultancy

www.ehamanagementconsultancy.com

Copyright © 2020 Eha Management Consultancy

Dr. Sachin Bhide asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work

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ISBN 978-93-5407-628-2

Abstract

With an increase in awareness of keeping oneself updated so as to be competitive, people are more inclining towards digital learning. The study focuses to see whether working professionals in Pune learn through digital platforms and what are the factors that motivate or discourage people to take up digital learning. The study was conducted using primary data. The study found that thirst for knowledge and getting certified are the main reasons that motivate the working professionals to take up digital learning. Busy life plus poor connectivity are the foremost reasons for which people want to stay away from digital learning. Study also found out that many organizations promote digital learning to their employees so as to develop their skills by providing various learning allowances to them.

Keyword

Digital Learning, Motivating Factors, Learning and Development.

Objectives

  1. To understand the nature of digital learning amongst the working professionals in Pune.
  2. To study the factors that motivates people to take up digital learning.
  3. To know the factors that restrain people from learning through digital platforms.
  4. To know how organizations, promote digital learning to their employees.
  5. To understand various digital platforms used by people and their views on digital learning.

Introduction

<>Digital learning is one of the mediums of learning. People from all over the world can get connected and learn. Online learning meets the need of ever-growing population of learners who cannot or prefer not to participate in traditional classroom settings. The criteria for learners to participate in online learning course are to have computer / mobile, internet and basic knowledge to operate this thing. Learners find online environment a convenient way to gain knowledge in their busy lives.

Any time access to digital learning is its one of the main advantages. Researchers show that online learning increases the depth of understanding amongst the learners. It provides platform for more innovative teaching with the use of presentations, images, recordings, videos, etc. It is sometimes cost effective as learners do not require travelling and also a lot of students can be accommodated in online learning so the fees kept are also minimal. Digital learning is sometimes self-paced so it provides learners with time flexibility.

It has become important for every one of us to keep us updated in order to grow in the career. Digital/online learning has become one of the important means in gaining knowledge. Working professionals too strive for knowledge in order to make themselves competitive. For them digital learning acts as an easy source to reach out. Many of the organizations make compulsory for their employees to take up online courses in order to develop their skills.

With transformation of our country into digital India the importance of online learning has increased and people are more looking forward to have a better education online. The situation of pandemic has also made us realize how important online learning is. Everything has come to a standstill but virtual learning has made its way out and helping people to develop new skills.

Research Methodology

A . Method of collecting data: Primary data collection method was used in this research i.e. survey was conducted using questionnaire method. A questionnaire consisting of 8 questions was prepared and was distributed among the target group to get feedback. Secondary data was only used for introduction and literature review purpose. Information was collected from Internet, Google and news items.
B . Sample size and technique of sampling: Simple random sampling method was used to select the target group. The Google form consisting of 8 questions was distributed among the 30 working professionals so as to get better idea regarding the research topic. The reason for selecting such small target group is the convenience of the researchers, respondents with whom the researchers were familiar were only taken for research as unknown respondents would have not given genuine responses.
C .Type of questionnaire and questions used: Structured and non-disguised method of questionnaire was used in this survey. The intension behind this survey was known to the respondents and the questions were pre-planned and pre-prepared. The reason behind using this method was the researcher would not require of instant thinking. 6 closed-ended questions were used in this questionnaire survey. The reason behind using this type of questions was that the respondents usually do not get bored as they are just made to tick from the given options and due to it respondents give accurate answers. Whereas in open-ended questions people are not that patient to give all the answers right so only 2 open-ended questions were taken. Altogether 8 questions were prepared for the research.
D .Type of research design:Descriptive research design is used in this research so as to answer various questions and find out certain reason for the same.

Literature Review

  • Ankurkhaitan, Anmol Shankhwar, NishantJeyanth, MankaranKharbanda, Nikhil Dulipala and ShivaniJhunjhunwala (2017): Convenience, ease of concentrating at home, and reduced travel time are the main reasons for people to adopt online courses. Laptops are the main medium through which people access online learning followed by smart phones. Online education might have highest scope in primary and secondary education, test preparation will be second, reskilling and online certification will be next and higher education and language plus casual learnings will also in demand on online platforms. Pricing and connectivity are common issues in online learning. (kpmg.com).
  • Sheikh Mohd Imran (2012): E-learning reached India late but is being accepted fast. The future of e-learning seems to be vibrant as the number of internet users has increased and more number of people are showing interest in e-learning business. Educational institutes need to have suitable strategies in place for successful deployment of e-learning process. The challenges to E-learning like high cost, lack of time to develop good content, content incompatibility, human resistance are to be overcome. (dialnet.unirioja)
  • Joshua Stem: Online learning is a type of distance learning that is conducted over distance and not in traditional classroom. A majority of academic leader believe the online learning is already equal to face to face learning. Computer skills, experience in online learning environment, attitude towards teaching, training and commitment are the things required for online learning. A new paradigm of teaching and learning has constructionism that asserts learning is effective when constructing something for others to experience and collaboration which means each participant in course should be teacher and learner. (wlac.edu)
  • Laura Vatsala and Shubha Pissay (2016): E-learning provides education at fraction of cost in comparison to offline learning. The e-learners mostly access online learning portals twice a week. Most of the people prefer 5 minutes of videos more in online courses. Multiple choice questions are the most preferred type of assessment of adult e-learners. Technical glitches are the most common challenges faced by online learners. E-learners are goal oriented and self-motivated people who are place bound and learn online. Internet penetration, easy access to devices like laptop and smartphones, time flexibility, young workforce that want to upgrade and affordable cost of education. (informaticsjournals.com)
  • Brinda Das gupta (2017):97% of IT professionals believe it is important to build technological skills and 74% of them are undergoing learning programs. Majority of them feel that online learning is more effective than offline learning. Gamification has made online learning more effective and interesting. Online learning will help IT industry in bridging skills gap by building right learning path and getting instant expert help. Employees are not preferring traditional learning because of ineffective teaching, boredom, lack of time, etc. (economictimes.com)
  • Ming-Hung Lin, Huang-Cheng Chen and Kuang-Sheng Liu (2017): In past years, the rapid revolution of the Internet and wireless communication technology has resulted in the emergence of various interactive multimedia networks, such as mobile learning, mobile voice, and instant messaging. Traditional learning can be replaced by digital learning using the convenience and popularity of internet and by achieving the objective of national competitiveness. Learning motivation allows students preparing for learning and would enhance the attention to and absorption of new knowledge.  (ejmste.com)
  • Steen Vigh Buch(2014): To engage in learning process the learners needs to be motivated. People have more positive experience when they are inherently motivated to learn. Competition is a part of our education, jobs, and everyday life.  The competition widget proved to have a motivation for students. (journals.plos.org)
  • N. Wikrama Nayake (2005): Technology has made information accessible / transmittable from anywhere and by / to all groups of people. Education and ICT are interlinked nowadays and have reached most parts of the world.Advances in digital learning have opened up many avenues of learning. This shows the process of generation, creation, and acquisition of knowledge through the technology. (www.researchgate.net)
  • GertFaustmann, Kathrin Kircchner, Claudia Lemke and Dagmar Monett (2019): The purpose of DLP is to provide specific learning and teaching material, more general digital learning and teaching content. DLP will be successful if people are given motivation to use it. There are 2 reasons that give rise to action i.e. intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic relay on individual without any external pressure, driven by interest in task itself. Extrinsic focuses on goal driven reasons like Reward and career advancement. (orbit.dku.dk)
  • Anna Sun and Xiu fang Chen (2016): Many adult learners may enjoy the flexibility when they have to balance work, study, and family responsibilities. Corporate-based online offerings, free or for-profit, were initiated mostly by organizations, corporations, and individuals. Convenience, the quality of the course designed, the creation of interaction, and evaluation system are major factors for students to choose online learning. (researchgate.net)

Research gap

The researchers observed that not much study regarding digital learning has been conducted, especially in Pune regions.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Q1. Do you learn things through digital platforms?
Particulars Responses
Yes 29
No 1

Interpretation

Out of 30 respondents from Pune, leaving one working professional everyone learn things through digital platforms. It means that people are understanding the competition and to grow in their career everyone knows the importance of learning and the most viable means of learning is through digital platforms. Digital platforms are proving as one of the important means for people to acquire knowledge.
If yes, then how frequently?
Particulars Responses
Daily 9
Once in a year 0
Once in a month 8
According to need 13

Interpretation

Out of the working professionals who use digital platforms to learn things 11 of them said they use these platforms according to the need which means whenever need arises people seek knowledge through digital platforms. 10 of them said they learn daily through digital platforms which makes us understand how important digital learning has become in people’s life and is widely been accepted. Rest of the respondents use digital platforms to learn once a month which is also a good frequency in accordance to working professional’s life.
Q2. What are the factors that motivate you to start digitally learning?
Particulars Responses
Compulsion made 4
Compulsion made 12
Getting Promotion 8
Thirst for Knowledge 13

Interpretation

Thirst for knowledge is the foremost important factor that motivate working professionals of Pune to start digital learning which means people are now interested in knowing new things that are coming up and also people are showing more interest in developing themselves. Getting certified is the second important factor which states that people believe in certifications to get skilled as it helps in securing good jobs. Getting promotions and compulsion made by organizations are the next reasons for taking digital learning as nowadays organizations want their students and employees to develop learning skills in order to make them proficient. More interaction and easy multi-time access to the sessions are some other reasons that respondents came up with.
Q3. Why would you prefer digital learning to non-digital learning?
Particulars Responses
Time flexibility 26
Easy access 23
Cost effectiveness 15
Online certification from any university under the sun 9

Interpretation

The main reason for learners preferring digital learning to non-digital learning is time flexibility, online courses can be accessed at any point of time in a day. It does not mainly require people to be present at a specific time while it is a compulsory criterion to avail learning in traditional method. Easy access is the second foremost reason for people preferring digital learning as people from anywhere, at any time and with less formality can access digital courses. Cost effectiveness and online education under any university in the world is another reason, as people can get certified from any university in the world without needing to travel and at a very low price courses can be completed by minimizing the extra expenses to be borne while availing any course.
Q4. What are the reasons that discourage you to learn from digital platforms?
Particulars Responses
Poor connectivity 16
Busy life 10
Online frauds/trust issue 11
Lack of interest 0

Interpretation

People sometimes are discouraged to use digital platforms for learning and the foremost reason for it is poor connectivity. In India people face a lot of connectivity issues due to which people are not even able to surf some basic things on internet, and it is much worse in rural parts of the country. People now are busy in their own life working hard to fulfil their dreams, so in this busy schedule they don’t even sometimes get time to spend with their family so learning remains at par which becomes the second important reason that discourage digital learning amongst working professionals. In this developing world where all economies are rapidly transforming themselves into digital, online frauds are increasing day by day due to which people fear to carry out any activities over internet. Also, some digital courses are required to be paid handsome amount which people resist to pay with the fear of being cheated.
Q5. Does your organization promote digital learning?
Particulars Responses
No 7
Yes 23

Interpretation

Out of 30 respondents, 27 of them say that their organizations promote digital learning. Companies require their employees to develop skills so that it can be cost effective for them as companies would get skilled people in their company itself and the cost of outsourcing or acquiring already skilled workers will be reduced. Also, if the employees are skilled then it will lead to the development of the organization and for developing this skill online courses or digital platforms are the best means so the organizations promote digital learning nowadays.
If yes, then how frequently?
Ans : Organizations promote digital learning by doing the following :
  1. Providing employees free reference codes.
  2. Paying internet charges of employees.
  3. Conducting lots of in-house e-training.
  4. Providing access to online courses on latest things.
  5. Using digital platforms in regular work.
  6. Recommending certified courses.
  7. Setting reminders and providing various educators to solve doubts over social media apps like Skype, Instagram and WhatsApp.
  8. viii.Circulating course links and organizing webinars on new courses.
Q6.  What are your genuine views on digital learning? Can you suggest any good digital learning apps/ websites or means used by you or your friends?
Particulars Responses
Udemy 1
Coursera 4
YouTube 6
Tcsion 4
Edx 3
LinkedIn 3
Various others 17

Interpretation

People of Pune think digital learning is good for an overview of any subject, it helps to develop self-directed learning skills, it is the smartest and easiest way of learning or gaining knowledge, it gives flexibility to acquire knowledge, it is a revolutionary concept and highly effective specially at the time of pandemic situations but it is not the complete substitute to traditional classroom learning and it cannot replace that fully.

Udemy is the most preferred digital platform for learning amongst the people of Pune as if provides low priced courses followed by YouTube which is available free of cost and is easy to be accessed. Coursera is also famous as it provides genuine certification as well as it has good trainers. Other apps such as Tcsion, Byju’s, LinkedIn learning, Edx, etc. are also popular but many people have their own other individual preference of these digital platforms.

Findings

  1. Most of the working professionals in Pune prefer learning through digital platforms as the need arises for them.
  2. Top two reasons that motivate them to start learning through digital platform are thirst for knowledge and getting certified so that it could make their CVs look good.
  3. Time flexibility and easy accessibility are the two main factors due to which working professionals in Pune prefer digital learning to non-digital learning as in their busy life this features of digital learning help them a lot.
  4. Foremost reasons that sometimes stop people from taking up digital learning are poor connectivity and busy life as connectivity is the most common issue faced in India and busy life stop people from taking up extra activities as it makes them tired.It was also found that more than 77% of the organizations promote digital learning to their employees so as to make them more skilled by providing them free reference codes, paying their internet charges, organizing webinar, etc.
  5. Udemy, YouTube and Coursera are the most preferred digital platforms by the working professionals of Pune as these apps/websites are more reliable, genuine and easy to be accessed but most of the people have their own preferred uncommon apps and websites.
  6. Expectation of successful learning environment strongly depends on the participants’ personal, social and institutional background among other aspects.
  7. Social presence is found to be a key component in online learning and it may have a direct impact in many ways on the development of a learning community and interaction in online environments.
  8. DLP (Digital Leaning Platform) has to be developed individually based on the learners’ backgrounds, needs and behavior.
  9. Digital learning provides a low-cost alternative. It requires lower infrastructure cost.
  10. Usage of mobile phones is slightly higher among students while professionals prefer laptops while learning digitally. This shows the difference of gadgets use while going through digitally.

Limitations

  1. The relevance of the study is limited as only 30 people were taken as a sample, also the study is only related to working professionals in Pune and not the whole of country.
  2. The study was conducted in the month of May when there was a pandemic situation in the city and people had more time to take up extra activities like digital learning so the respondents might have given responses looking at the current situation so the study cannot be claimed to be applicable even in normal situation.
  3. Only 10 literature study was done and all relating to adult learners as well as minor online learners.
  4. Study is not related to particular age group so working professionals from all age groups were considered so it could not be clear which age group has more inclination towards digital learning.
  5. The findings of research were more concentrated on primary data and not that much on secondary data which could have given more insight about the recent trends in digital learning.

Conclusion

  1. Researchers observed that people learn through digital platforms mostly when the need arises for them.
  2. The factors that motivate the working professionals of Pune to take up digital learning are thirst for knowledge and getting certified.
  3. Some factors that restrain people taking up digital learning are poor connectivity and busy life.
  4. Organizations with which respondents are related promote digital learning for development of their employees.
  5. Udemy is the most preferred apps used by people for digital learning and also could know the views of working professionals on digital learning.

References

1] Online Education in India: 2021 (2017)

https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/in/pdf/2017/05/Online-Education-in-India-2021.pdf  (15 May 2020)

2] Trends and issues of E-learning in LIS education in India: A pragmatic perspective.

https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/4329720/2.pdf (16 May 2020)

3] Trends and issues of E-learning in LIS education in India: A pragmatic perspective.

https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/4329720/2.pdf   (16 May 2020)

4] Preferences of Adult E-learners towards Online Resources.

http://informaticsjournals.com/index.php/nmr/article/viewFile/18404/15364  (17 May 2020)

5] 69% of Indian IT professionals believe online learning is more effective than offline learning.

6] A study of the effects of Digital Learning on Learning Motivation and Learning Outcome.

https://www.ejmste.com/download/a-study-of-the-effects-of-digital-learning-on-learning-motivation-and-learning-outcome-4843  (15 May 2020)
7] Does competition work as a motivating factor in E-learning.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0085434    (16 May 2020)

8] Impact of digital technology on education.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/216361364_Impact_of_Digital_Technology_on_Education   (15 May 2020)
9] Which factors make Digital Learning Platforms (DLP) successful.
https://orbit.dtu.dk/files/184370996/Faustmann_etal_INTED2019_Final_submitted_version.pdf   (5 May 2020)

10] Online Education and Its Effective Practice: A Research Review (2016)

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310503884_Online_Educ ation_and_Its_Effective_Practice_A_Research_Review   (17 May 2020)

Annexure

A study on digital learning and its motivational factors for the working professionals in and around Pune.
Name

City

Mobile Number
Email ID
  1. Do you learn things through digital platforms?
a. Yes        b. No If yes, then how frequently?
A. Daily B. Once in a month C. Once in a year D. According to the need
2. What are the factors that motivate you to start digitally learning?
a. Compulsion made.
b. Getting certified.
c. Getting promotions.
d. Thirst for knowledge. e. Other: 
3. Why would you prefer digital learning to non-digital learning?
a. Time flexibility
b. b.Easy access
c. Cost effectiveness
d. d.Online certification from any university under the sun
e. Other: 
4. What are the reasons that discourage you to learn from digital platforms?
a. Poor connectivity
b. Busy life
c. Online frauds / Trust issues
d. Lack of interest
e. Other: 
5. Does your organization promote digital learning?
a. Yes        b. No If yes, then how? 
6.What are your genuine views on digital learning? Can you suggest any good digital learning apps/ websites or means used by you or your friends? Ans   :  
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